Frans Nielsen

May 07, 2008 | By Ben Chaisson | Players Articles Archive

Frans Nielsen (born April 24, 1984, in Herning, Denmark) is a Danish professional ice hockey player, currently with the New York Islanders in the NHL. He was the first Danish citizen to play in the NHL.

Playing career

Nielsen was drafted by the New York Islanders with their 3rd round pick, 87th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. After playing in the Swedish Elitserien since 2001, Nielsen signed a two-year contract with the New York Islanders on May 15, 2006. He has also played for the Danish national men's ice hockey team.

Over 216 games in the Swedish Elitserien, Nielsen recorded 25 goals and 34 assists for 59 points and 66 penalty minutes.

Nielsen started the 2006-07 season with the Islanders' affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and was recalled to the Islanders on January 5, 2007. He made his NHL debut on January 6, 2007. At the time of his recall, he had recorded a point in nine consecutive AHL games, which was three games shy of the Sound Tigers' club record.

Nielsen is believed to be the first Danish-born player in the NHL since the 1979-80 season. Poul Popiel was an NHL defenceman in the late 1960's and the 1970's. Popiel played his last games in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1979-80 season. However, Popiel had become an American citizen prior to his debut, leaving Nielsen with the honour of being the first Danish citizen in the NHL.

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