Red Wings Picks Dower Nilsson Brothers Briefly Reunited in Sweden

Detroit Red Wings prospect Noah Dower Nilsson began the 2023-24 hockey season on the shelf, recovering from shoulder surgery. Then in late November, he was once again suiting up with Frolunda of the SHL. However, his usage for the most part was sparingly.

It looked like he’d be getting the opportunity to play more . . . and to once again play alongside his brother, fellow Detroit draftee Liam Dower Nilsson. Frolunda was loaning Dower Nilsson to Bjorkloven.

The loan was to cover the remainder of the season. Bjorkloven plays in Hockey Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second division. He is subject to recall by Frolunda is Dower Nilsson is needed again in the SHL this season. He’s accounted for 1-1-2 totals in for games for Frolunda since returning from his injury.

Noah saw his first game action with Bjorkloven earlier this week. Unfortunately, it ended badly for him. Tumbling into the boards, he was suffering another shoulder surgery, Apparently, this time, it was to the shoulder that wasn’t surgically repaired. He returned to Frolunda for further examination.

Poor Noah Dower-Nilsson was injured in his debut for Björklöven and has returned to Gothenburg for examinations. It has been said it isn't the shoulder he had surgery on that is the issue. He fell and hit the boards hard and went off.

Talk about bad luck.#LGRW

— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) January 18, 2024

Older brother Liam, 20, like Noah formerly with Frolunda, is showing 10-8-18 numbers from 36 games for Bjorkloven.

“I feel I have a more offensive mindset and game to show,” Liam said as to why he was opting to drop down to Division II this season.

The younger Dower Nilsson, 18, was Detroit’s 73rd overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry draft. The siblings have brief previous stints as teammates.

Red Wings Picks Reunited

“We played a couple games in juniors together and the last season we played – when Noah played his first SHL game, I was loaned to Vasteras, but then I got loaned back to Frolunda,” Liam explained.

Noah’s first SHL shift was on a line with Liam. “It was pretty cool,” Noah recalled. “It’s fun to be out there. It was a little bit nervous but it was fun.”

Liam Dower Nilsson was chosen 134th overall  by the Red Wings in the 2021 NHL entry draft. He was in Nashville last summer when Detroit would also select his brother.

That’s one proud big brother. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/0Nxv5nTcHC

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 29, 2023

“It was unbelievable,” Liam said of draft day. “Never really dared to think that’s going to happen. It was an amazing feeling for me and my dad and grandpa was there, and for Noah.”

Neither Dower Nilsson brother has signed a contract with the Red Wings.