Detroit Red Wings select Noah Dower Nilsson No. 73 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

The Detroit Red Wings landed a prospect with upside at pick No. 73 of the third round during the 2023 NHL Draft on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena. In selecting center Noah Dower Nilsson, they get somewhat of a project but someone with intriguing offensive ability.

Dower Nilsson, 18, is the younger brother of Liam Dower Nilsson, whom the Detroit Red Wings picked in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Whereas Liam profiles as more of a playmaker, Noah has more upside as a goal-scorer thanks to a deadly release. In 37 games with Frolunda’s under-20 team this past season, he scored 26 goals. He led the team with 54 points, which stood as the highest total in the league among players who were under-18; he didn’t turn 18 until late April. He only got into three games with the men’s team in the SHL. He did see action with Team Sweden at the Under-18 World Championship, where he had two goals and six points for the silver-medal entry.

Dower Nilsson’s ceiling is pretty reasonable given the scoring tools he has in his belt. On top of the shooting ability, he has slick hands that help him beat defenders 1-on-1, and he’s no slouch as a passer to boot. The knock is the skating. He lacks top-end speed, so it remains to be seen if Dower Nilsson’s footwork can get to a level sufficient to keep up with NHLers. He’s likely a couple years away from getting an extended look – at least.

STEVEN ELLIS’ SCOUTING REPORT

“Dower Nilsson missed more than a month due to an injury, but was solid down the stretch and saw some SHL action, too. When he’s on his game, he tends to grab points in bursts. He’s a work in progress, but the raw skills are there.”