Kent Nilsson: The Calgary Flames Superstar Who Chose Not To Be - The Lost Shifts Ep. 8 (LWOS)

His name would have been iconic to hockey fans if only he had wanted it to be. Instead, his stardom dissipated within just a few years of his dominant debut. “Kenta” and “The Magic Man,” they called him. Today, Kent Nilsson is just a fading memory.

He could have been so much more.

“He’s the purest, most talented player in the league. Great player, great shot” – Wayne Gretzky, March 1987 (“ROUNDUP Oilers Get Nilsson,” The Globe and Mail, 3 Mar 1987).

He exhibited boundless creativity and a refined sense of finesse. He was among the most skilled players of his generation (“Calgary Flames,” Calgary Herald, 18 Dec 2005). Among Nilsson’s many gifts to the sport was Peter Forsberg‘s famous one-handed shootout move. Forsberg’s move was lifted from an identical move used by Nilsson at the 1989 World Championship. “The goalie… went, like, into the stands,” recalled Forsberg in the immediate post-game interview of that Gold Medal game, admitting that he had seen Nilsson’s move in 1989 (Cam Cole, Edmonton Journal, 28 Feb 1994).

Kent Nilsson was a virtuoso. His ability to handle the puck and generate effortless offense prompted witnesses to draw comparisons between the Swedish magician and the league’s most dominant player at the time, Wayne Gretzky.

He exhibited boundless creativity and a refined sense of finesse. He was among the most skilled players of his generation (“Calgary Flames,” Calgary Herald, 18 Dec 2005). Among Nilsson’s many gifts to the sport was Peter Forsberg‘s famous one-handed shootout move. Forsberg’s move was lifted from an identical move used by Nilsson at the 1989 World Championship. “The goalie… went, like, into the stands,” recalled Forsberg in the immediate post-game interview of that Gold Medal game, admitting that he had seen Nilsson’s move in 1989 (Cam Cole, Edmonton Journal, 28 Feb 1994).

“In my opinion, Kenta… was as good as the guy 200 miles north [Gretzky] — when he wanted to play.” – Ken Houston, Flames forward (1975-1982) (“Calgary Flames,” Calgary Herald, 18 Dec 2005)

Such was the sentiment of Ken Houston, a linemate of Nilsson’s during their time together with the Atlanta, and later Calgary, Flames. Kent Nilsson brimmed with potential. Some figure he could have been a deity of the sport.

His lack of ambition laid waste to that wondrous opportunity.

[Michael-fwef]

Kent did all those plays with his head up, not looking at the puck.
And he did it without today's hockey tech and advancements.

[richardwebb]

When the Flames came to Calgary, I was playing my last year of Juvenile hockey. My linemates and I would use the moves "The Magic Man" pulled during games and we had some success. "Kenta" scored AND SET UP some really cool goals. He got picked up on waivers by the Oilers in 1987?? He got 18 points in the playoffs and a Stanley Cup ring. Does anybody remember the empty net goal he scored (against L.A. maybe??) he shot from HIS OWN END, banked the puck off the boards and into the net. Really Nice. In the highlight clips available, the announcers didn't even know it was kent who was quick and smooth. I loved watching him, he was very talented.

[DanielH]

He skates effortlessly, with incredible edgework and precision. Stickhandles with such grace. The talent level is ridiculously high. He is so far ahead of his time in these clips. As others have said it just looks like he doesn't want to give it 100%. He clearly dislikes the physical aspect of the game shies away from it. If he played with a fiery edge he could have racked up 150+ point seasons through the 80's. He's clearly that talented but the effort level appears to rarely be there. What could have been.... Thanks for the video.

[johanf]

Thanks for the video. Kent is my fav player!🙏🏻

[feeneysmechanical]

Gretzky said in a interview. Kent is the most skilled player he has ever seen in his entire career. Kent can stop on a dime and give you change

[nz]

Would love to see game 7 again in its entirety if it exists somewhere. Epic series. Thought Calgary was going to lose to Clarke and company who were coming on strong.

[nsakic]

Forsberg move is actually Nilsson move - from 1984 Olympics.

[feeneysmechanical]

Look up the most skilled player's of all time. He was a head of his time. Watch the crossbar challenge

[OttawaNow]

"When He Wants To Be" is what will get him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He didn't want to carry the whole team on his back. He didn't want to be a superstar. He wanted other players to pull their weight.

[kahnadah]

We Flames fans used to call him "The Magic Man" because come playoff time, he'd disappear.

[PZYKPATH]

Nilsson is the most skilled player after Lemeiux and orr gretzky 4th

[GuyCybershy]

Still holds the Flames record for points in a season, dont think anyone has come close.

[BRobMint]

Gaudreau stick handles and skates similarly to him

[JONAS-mpjy]

still top player for 10 ? seasons. He could been even better but still a hall of famer.

[LorentzHallMusic]

Not on Forsberg level, but very very good.

[OttawaNow]

Harry Nilsson is not in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and Kent Nilsson is not in the Hockey Hall Of Fame.

[GreyZonex]

I dont get it.. if the ZGOAT says Nillson was one of the best.. why isnt he in Hall.of Fame ? Why his name doesnt ring a bell ?

[simgames]

what the song at minute 2:00 ? ....the next at the end is well known !

[carolinebjerkelund]

He never had the complete edge....Never went in deep showed his moves ALWAYS with some ice