But since retiring as a player 10 years ago, Nilson has stayed out of the pro game, instead choosing to invest his time in youth hockey.
“Maybe a few years ago, I started thinking, it’d be nice to get back into hockey,” he said. “And now, I’m really excited. Especially, if I was going to get back into it over here, I wanted to work for the Flames.”
Nilson expects to spend the majority of his time scouting in his native Sweden and Finland, but added his time here in Calgary this week will involve plenty of strategy talk with other area scouts.
But in his post-career life, Nilson has also been afforded the opportunity to be a Dad. Those responsibilities included watching his son, Eric, develop into an NHL prospect.
The younger Nilson – who was born in Calgary – heard his name called at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this past June, going 45th overall to the Anaheim Ducks.
“I think he’s gone the same road as every other young player, you know,” said Nilson. “I loved playing the game and just taking it year by year and just having fun and all of a sudden, you’re at the age where you have the possibility of getting drafted and and then that happens, it just goes by so fast, right?
“It was a good time for him. Me and my wife were excited for him to get drafted, now he can focus on trying to become an NHL player, he has a long road ahead of him.”
Across the road from the Scotiabank Saddledome, Nilson took note of that giant construction site, too, that will soon be the new home of the Flames.
While the ‘Dome brings back a flood of memories and emotions, Nilson’s excited to see Scotia Place come to life.
Excited for what lies ahead for the organization.
“This place, it’s in good shape,” he reflected, peering toward the hallway leading out of the Flames dressing room. “But obviously, the new building would be exciting for the city.
“It looks phenomenal.”