Brother of Red Wings Prospect is Replacing Him

Signing an entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings last spring, it was apparent that forward Noah Dower Nilsson would be playing in North America during the 2026-27 season.

“It means a lot, like it’s a dream come true to sign my first NHL contract,” Dower Nilsson said. “It’s an honor to sign for Detroit. It’s a great organization. So now it’s so fun.”

Dower Nilsson’s departure would mean Frolunda, his SHL club in his homeland of Sweden, would need to locate a replacement for him.

They didn’t have to look far to fill that role. In fact, they didn’t even look outside the Dower Nilsson household.

“I hope to be able to contribute in the same way as I did in Björklöven,” the elder Dower Nilsson told Swedish Hockey News.

Liam Dower Nilsson posted back-to-back 20-goal campaigns for Björklöven. Last season, he helped the club earn promotion to the SHL.

“I feel pretty good to see him succeed,” Noah said. “Yeah, he’s been great. He’s worked so hard, so I’m super proud of him and super happy to see him help them get back to the top league.”

However, even though Björklöven was back in the SHL, Liam opted to rejoin his old club for the 2026-27 season.

Brothers had Hoped to be Teammates With Red Wings

Liam Dower Nilsson came up through the Frolunda system, making his senior debut during the 2020-21 season. However, after scoring just one goal in 37 games, he made the move to Björklöven.

When Liam joined the team in Hockey Allsvenskan, the Swedish second division, among those moving into the big club at Frolunda was his little brother Noah.

The siblings were briefly teammates with Frolunda. They also were dreaming of someday teaming up with the Red Wings. Both Liam (134th overall, 2021) and Noah (73rd overall, 2023) were Detroit draftees. However, the Red Wings made the decision to pass on offering Liam a contract.

It will be left to Noah, 21, to chase the family’s NHL dream with the Red Wings.

“He’s got a pro set of skills, that’s for sure,” Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson said of Noah.…Read more by Bob Duff