Eric Nilson

Eric Nilson (born 11 May 2007) is a Swedish-Canadian college ice hockey center for Michigan State University of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He was drafted 45th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2025 NHL entry draft.

Playing career Initially ranked as a fourth or fifth round prospect by NHL Central Scouting Bureau ahead of the 2025 NHL entry draft, Nilson rose to the sixth-ranked European skater in their midterm rankings.

Nilson played the 2024–25 season with Djurgårdens IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan. He joined the Michigan State Spartans for the 2025–26 season.

International play

Nilson represented Sweden at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Entering the bronze medal match pointless at the event, he recorded an assist and a hat-trick to help Sweden secure bronze.

In December 2025, he was selected to represent Sweden at the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He recorded one goal and two assists in seven games and won a gold medal. This was Sweden's first gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2012.

Personal life Nilson is the son of former NHL player Marcus Nilson and has a sister, Alice (born 2009), playing junior hockey in the Brynäs IF system.

Career statistics International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2024 Sweden HG18 5 3 1 4 2 2026 Sweden WJC 7 1 2 3 6Junior totals 12 4 3 7 8