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Detroit Red Wings prospect declines to sign with the organization and will be a free agent
Photo credit: Detroit Hockey Now
Detroit Red Wings prospect Liam Dower Nilsson has had enough of the organization and GM Steve Yzerman and is remaining in the SHL.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Liam Dower Nilsson was selected 134th overall in the 5th round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
The Gothenburg, Sweden-born forward has yet to sign his ELC with the Red Wings after all this time. When June rolls around, that could spell doom for his NHL hopes and dreams, as he could become a free agent if neither side can reach a deal.
Instead, the Red Wings prospect has chosen to re-up with the SHL team, the Björklöven IF.
In 52 games this season, he's scored a total of 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists).
The Red Wings prospect Nilsson and Bruins prospect Fabian Lysell proved to be excellent teammates together on Frolunda HC, but with his departure, we're not sure how his prospects look, considering he remains in Sweden, and his teammate Lysell is now a fixture in the Bruins system.
While he has neither been described as a forward who has a lot of speed, his hockey IQ is high and he plays a great two-way game, according to Smaht Scouting
Dower Nilsson is a player who wins with what is between his ears. He is not the biggest. Not the fastest. He is not the most skilled. But he dictates play when on ice. He is a fantastic facilitator for more talented line-mates. A player who makes line-mates better even if they are better than him.
.What is the issue driving this possible separation between the two parties?
In October 2023, it was reported that he was in continual contact with Niklas Kronwall and Daniel Cleary, but somewhere things and priorities have changed.
Either way, he has to sign an ELC by June 1st, or he will be a free agent, and likely destined to spend his career in Sweden.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 18 | 151 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings prospect declines to sign with the organization and will be a free agent Do you think forward the Red Wings have endured a big loss with this forward testing free agency? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 50.3 % |
| No | 75 | 49.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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