Michael Nylander

**Michael Nylander** (born on October 3, 1972 in Stockholm, Sweden) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey centre who has played in the NHL for the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning,
Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks.

## Playing Career

Nylander was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the third round (59th overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

Nylander scored his first career NHL goal on November 27, 1992 in his 16th game at the famed Boston Garden in a 5-4 Whalers loss.

The following season, although he was third in scoring for the Whalers at that time, he was sent down to their AHL affiliate Springfield Indians due to repeated defensive lapses. He was recalled after four games in Springfield, but that stint makes Nylander one of the two final players who ever played for the storied Indians to be active in professional hockey.

Nylander was signed by the New York Rangers for the 2005–06 season and played well with All-Star right-winger Jaromír Jágr. He centred the first line and first power play unit. Statistically, Nylander had his best season as he helped the Rangers reach 100 points for the first time since 1994.

Following their 4-3 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on April 8, 2006, Nylander was interviewed by NBC's Pierre McGuire. He popped the word "shit" on live television, when speaking about his relationship with Pierre McGuire back in Hartford.

Bill Clement mentioned there was no 5-second delay; however, Clement and the rest of the NBC crew did issue an immediate apology. Nylander scored the game-winning goal in overtime. The NHL and the Federal Communications Commission never made a decision on this situation.

Prior to the 2007–08 season, as reported on the Edmonton Oilers website, Nylander's agent had agreed to a contract with the Oilers. While expecting to receive a signed contract, the Oilers instead found out that he had signed with the Washington Capitals.

Nylander tore his rotator cuff during a faceoff against the Florida Panthers on December 1, 2007. He missed the next four games before returning to play the next thirteen games. Eventually, he was forced to have surgery to repair the tear on January 16, 2008, and missed the rest of the 2007–08 regular season and playoffs.

In the 2008-09 season, still feeling the effects of his torn rotator cuff, Nylander managed to collect only 33 points in 72 games. Many fans and hockey pundits criticized his performance and felt he didn't live up to his contract.

The following season the Washington Capitals faced salary cap restraints. Looking for move salary, they attempted to trade Nylander, but found no suitors for his near $5,000,000 salary.

The Washington Capitals first loaned him to the Detroit Red Wings organization (who then assigned him to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League) and then later loaned him to Jokerit of SM-liiga where he finished the 2009-10 season.

For the 2010-11 season, Nylander played in the Florida Panthers organization's AHL affiliate in Rochester as they filled a hole at center. His NHL rights were owned by the Capitals through the end of the season.

On October 23, 2010, he was seriously injured when he was hit from behind by Brendan Smith during the second period of a game between Rochester and the Grand Rapids Griffins.

On October 26, 2010, he underwent successful spinal fusion surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY and doctors have said that he should be cleared to play again after 6 months of recovery.

On August 17, 2011, Nylander signed a try-out contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, joining the team's training camp. He was released on September 25, 2011.

Nylander then went on to play for the ZSC Lions in the National League A where he was under contract from October 2011 to December 2011. His contract was not renewed and in January 2012, he signed with the Kloten Flyers.

## Accolades

* Silver medal World Junior Championship in 1992.
* World Junior Championship's Best Forward in 1992.
* Named to the World Junior Championship All-Star Team in 1992.
* Elitserien Rookie of the Year in 1992.
* Gold medal World Championship in 1992 and 2006.
* Silver medal World Championship in 1993 and 1997.
* Named to the World Championship All-Star Team in 1997.
* World Championship's Best Forward in 1997.
* Bronze medal World Championship in 1999, 2002 and 2010.

## Personal Life

Nylander is married to Camilla Altelius. He has six children: Michelle (born 1994), William (born 1996), Alexander (born 1998), Jacquline (born 2000), Stephanie (born 2003), and Daniella (born 2006).

William was drafted in 2014 by the Toronto Maple Leafs as the 8th overall pick while Alexander was also drafted 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

He has two brothers: Peter and Thommy.