PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Kenta Nilsson was nicknamed “Mr Magic” in Canada and won the Stanley Cup together with Wayne Gretzky.
And the fact is that both of them also lived together for some time.
– He was the best in every single match, says Kenta Nilsson about his former teammate and friend.
Kenta Nilsson is one of the greatest artists of all time in Sweden. The professional career began in 1977 with the Winnipeg Jets in the now defunct league WHA, before he moved on to the Atlanta Flames which would later become the Calgary Flames. In the 1980/1981 season, there were 49 goals and 82 assists, which is a number that still stands today as the best in the club’s history.
Celebrated by Gretzky
In 1987, Kenta Nilsson ended up in the Edmonton Oilers, where he became a chain mate with Mark Messier – against whom he had previously fought many tough duels.
– Mark Messier had been on me in all the matches we met. He was completely hopeless. Then I came to Edmonton and we became best friends immediately. Before that I had thought him a pig and horrible to face. Now we played in the same chain, says Kenta Nilsson to Expressen.
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The 1986/1987 edition of the Edmonton Oilers is one of the greatest teams of all time. In addition to Kenta Nilsson and Mark Messier, there was a certain one Wayne Gretzky, which hardly needs any further presentation. And when Nilsson came to Edmonton, the signing was hailed by Gretzky in particular.
– We knew that Kent was a fantastic player and he was a perfect fit with us, Gretzky has previously said.
READ MORE: Kenta Nilsson’s emotional tribute to Börje Salming – honest words about the disease: “Shouldn’t have to happen”
“Best in every game”
One of Kenta Nilsson’s fondest memories of his time in Edmonton with Gretzky took place during a game before the playoffs, when Nilsson leaned over to Gretzky after he returned to the dugout.
– Good change, Kenta said encouragingly to Gretzky.
Then the teammate broke Glen Anderson in.
– There’s no point in you going on like that. Because then you’ll get to shout at him after every change.
Gretzky was on a level all his own at that point.
– He was the best in every match. Then he trained very hard. He was first out on the ice and last into the dressing room, says Kenta Nilsson.
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At the same time, Wayne Gretzky was a very valued friend, and when Kenta Nilsson first arrived in Edmonton, he was allowed to stay at the Canadian’s house.
– We had absolutely the best team in the NHL. Although we had a hard time deciding the final, Kenta says, referring to the final game against Philadelphia that Edmonton eventually managed to take home.
READ MORE: Börje Salming always welcomed Swedes to the NHL in the same way – and it’s pure respect: “Never forget”