Just looking at the scoresheet, Nilson has not been much more than average; however, playing on a powerhouse NCAA team has perks and drawbacks. In this case, for Nilson, it means limited ice time. It was an intentional choice by the Swedish forward to join this NCAA program, as it gives him even more time to focus on his primary need: bulking up. His detailed two-way game remains, and he is often tasked with defensive zone starts for Michigan State. He has been selected to play for Sweden at the upcoming 2026 World Juniors, and it is his chance to showcase his skills on international ice. He is a long-term project, likely going to spend three or four years in the NCAA. The Ducks have a track record of selecting long-term projects and leaving them in the NCAA for many years, and when they make the jump to the NHL, they can help the team immediately. Will Nilson be the next one?

Nilson’s standout skill is his fluid, quick skating that matches well with his strong motor and good defensive awareness. He excels in supporting his defensemen down low and backchecking. Nilson drives play in transition, using quick moves and deceptions to gain the zone and initiate cycles. His ultimate offensive upside remains hard to project. He produced well in the J20, but was on a super stacked Djurgårdens team, and he often settled for perimeter plays. At the U18s, he showed more willingness to attack the middle, along with his good shot and constant playmaking threat, he could transform into a dangerous top-six player. Size, but especially strength, will be key for his long-term projection. At 6-0, 161lbs, Nilson has bulk more to handle NHL physicality. Smaller players with a profile like Nilson’s have statistically struggled to make it to the NHL, but his elite defensive instincts, skating, motor, and transition skills give him a legitimate shot at creating a path to a well-rounded middle-six player. He’s going to be a long-term project.

Selected at forty-fifth overall, Eric Nilson is now a member of the Anaheim Ducks .

He’s a highly intelligent player who logged major minutes at even strength while being a fixture on the top power-play unit and a trustworthy penalty killer. Nilson plays well off his teammates and complements more talented players nicely. Although not much of a goal scorer, he wins puck battles and is a competent playmaker at the junior level. Nilson doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses, but he also lacks high-end traits. –

Final Rankings – Eric Nilson is a quick and shifty center who engages physically and plays an intense style of hockey. He’s fairly underdeveloped physically so there is potential for massive improvement strength wise. He hunts for pucks and relentlessly pursues his opponents until he has possession. Eric Nilson also displays moments of high-end vision and creativity, indicating that there could be middle six center upside.—