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Niklas Andersson

Born:May 20, 1971Draft: 1989 Nordiques, 89th Overall
Hometown:Kungälv, SwedenPosition:Left Wing
Known For:2x Elitserien ChampionShoots:Left
National Team:SwedenCurrent Status:Retired

Niklas Andersson (born May 20, 1971) is a former Swedish ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Calgary Flames during the 2000-2001 season. Drafted 89th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Andersson was an extraordinary player in Sweden. Playing for Västra Frölunda HC at the first and second-tier stages, he quickly earned top status with the club and served the country on the international level on ten occasions before he made his NHL debut.

In 1992, Andersson appeared in three games with the Nordiques, registering one assist. He spent the majority of the year in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Halifax Citadels, where his offense took off with 82 points in 76 games. After a full season in the AHL and one in the International Hockey League (IHL), Andersson joined the New York Islanders for the 1995-96 season. He appeared in 48 games and recorded 14 goals and 26 points. His AHL status and representation for Sweden internationally earned him a regular spot in the Islanders lineup the following year.

After recording 43 points in 74 games, Andersson continued his journey with the San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately, his playing time with the new club was reduced down to a meagre five games, and he was demoted to the AHL. A return to the Islanders in 1999 was short-lived, as the Swedish forward was placed on waivers after posting ten points in 17 games and picked up by the Nashville Predators. Andersson returned to Sweden in 2001 after a brief stint with the Flames, winning two Swedish Championships with Frölunda HC in ten seasons.

Niklas Andersson Statistics

Trade Tracker

DateTraded FromTraded ToTraded For
Aug. 18, 1999Toronto Maple LeafsNew York IslandersCraig Charron

Deeper Dive

Achievements

  • TV-Pucken Best Forward (Sven Tumbas Stipendium) (1987)
  • Division 1 to Elitserien Promotion (Frölunda) (1989)
  • U20 WJC Silver Medal (1989)
  • Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year (Årets Junior) (1991)
  • 2x IHL Turner Cup Champion (1995, 2000)
  • 3x World Championship Silver Medal (1997, 2003, 2004)
  • IHL Second All-Star Team (2000)
  • IHL First All-Star Team (2001)
  • Elitserien Most SH Goals (3) (2002)
  • World Championship Bronze Medal (2002)
  • Elitserien All-Star Team (2003)
  • Elitserien Best Player (Guldpucken) (2003)
  • 2x Elitserien Champion (2003, 2005)
  • Elitserien Most Valuable Player (Guldhjälmen) (2003)
  • Elitserien Championship Clinching Goal (OT) (2005)
  • Elitserien Most Assists (2005)
  • Elitserien SM Silver Medal (2006)

Sources