Anaheim Ducks select Eric Nilson with 45th overall pick
The Anaheim Ducks selected forward Eric Nilson 45th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. A two-way center who can also play right wing, Nilson played for Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League and is listed at 6 '0", 165 pounds.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, he holds dual Swedish-Canadian citizenship and is the son of former NHL forward Marcus Nilson. He has committed to playing NCAA hockey at Michigan State for the 2025–26 season.
“We got lucky and we got our guy at 45,” assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting Martin Madden said. “He reminds us of William Karlsson at the same age. Really, really smart, really competitive, great skill, great edge work, and he’s also 165 pounds.”
Regarded as a two-way talent, Nilson describes himself as a responsible, all-around player. One that can play both sides of the ice, combining a strong back check and support in the defensive zone with offensive skill and the ability to create goals..
“When it comes to being an all-around two-way centre, Nilson has many of the required boxes checked,” wrote the EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide. “He combines his speed and quickness with a very commendable motor and good off-puck read. [Nilson] supports his defenseman down low, sticks to his assignments, and suffocates attackers on the backcheck.”
In the 2024–25 season, Nilson tallied 12 goals and 26 assists for 38 points in 37 games with Djurgårdens’ U20 team. He also played in a small stint with the senior team, notching one assist in four games. Once projected as a late-round pick, his stock surged over the season, ultimately earning him the No. 7 spot among European skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.
Internationally, Nilson excelled for Sweden’s U18 squad, scoring 10 goals and 16 assists across 29 games. He helped lead the team to a bronze medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and silver medals at both the U18 World Championship and World Junior A Challenge.
Still, both the Ducks and Nilson himself feel that there is work to be done, most notably increasing his physicality, getting stronger, and building a more solid frame.
“So he’s got some work to do in the gym, and he understands that, and that’s why he’s taking the path to go to Michigan State,” Madden said. “He wanted to get the best program off the ice. That was his focus, and we kind of agree. He’s going to a great spot for him. He’s a good two-way player, he’s first off the bench on the PK, and he’s on the first power play unit for the (Swedish) national team. He’s a hockey player.”
