A former member of the Detroit Red Wings forward and a Denmark legend has just received a major induction into the Hall of Fame.
Frans Nielsen - IIHF Hall Of Fame Induction 2025
Nielsen, Denmark's first NHL player, helped the country reach the top division and its first Olympics. He ended his career in 2022 with a German league title, leaving a lasting legacy.
A recent report confirmed how much of an impact Nielsen really had on the NHL.
Nielsen was the first Danish-trained player to play in the NHL. He'd skate in 925 NHL games with the New York Islanders and the Red Wings before returning to Europe to finish his playing days.
He'd play his final five NHL campaigns with the Red Wings from 2016-21. Nielsen scored 17 goals in 2016-16 and 16 more in 2017-18.
In 2003, he helped Denmark return to the top division of the world championship following a 54-year absence. He was also part of the first Danish team to play in the Winter Olympics
Congrats on an incredible IIHF career, and a historic NHL one that put Denmark on the hockey map!