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Frans Nielsen

Born:April 24, 1984Draft:2002 Islanders, 87th Overall
Hometown:Herning, DENPosition:C
Known For:First Danish citizen
NHL player
Shoots:Left
National Team:Denmark

Frans Nielsen (born 24 April 1984) is a Danish professional ice hockey player and alternate captain for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He spent the first 10 years of his NHL career playing with the New York Islanders.

He is the first Danish citizen to play in the NHL.

Frans Nielsen Detroit Red Wings
Frans Nielsen with the Detroit Red Wings (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Frans Nielsen Statistics

Deeper Dive

Achievements

  • Danish Champion — 2000-01
  • Danish League Rookie of the Year — 2000-01
  • J20 SM Silver Medal — 2001-02
  • U20 WJC (D2) Best Plus/Minus (+9) — 2001-02
  • U20 WJC (D2) Most Assists (10) — 2001-02
  • U20 WJC (D2) Most Points (14) — 2001-02
  • U20 WJC (D2) Silver Medal — 2001-02
  • World Championship (D1|B) Gold Medal — 2001-02
  • U20 WJC (D1|A) Best Plus/Minus (+8) — 2003-04
  • U20 WJC (D1|A) Most Goals (8) — 2003-04
  • U20 WJC (D1|A) Silver Medal — 2003-04
  • World Championship Top 3 Player on Team — 2003-04
  • World Championship Top 3 Player on Team — 2006-07
  • World Championship Top 3 Player on Team — 2009-10
  • World Championship Top 3 Player on Team — 2011-12
  • Danish Forward of the Year 2013-14
  • NHL All-Star Game — 2016-17
  • World Cup Runner Up — 2016-17
  • World Championship Top 3 Player on Team — 2017-18
  • Alternate Captain (Denmark) — 2006-07, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2017-18
  • Alternate Captain (Islanders) — 2013-16
  • Alternate Captain (Red Wings) — 2018-21
  • Captain (Denmark) — 2016-17

Sources