From the moment they made him the 73rd overall selection of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Noah Dower-Nilsson was infatuated with the thought of someday playing for the Detroit Red Wings

“So cool,” Dower-Nilsson said on draft day. “This is what I have dreamed of my whole life. A dream come true.”

That dream took a step closer to becoming reality on Sunday. The Red Wings signed Dower-Nilsson to a three-year entry-level contract.

Dower-Nilsson, 20, is a six-foot, 185-pounder who plays both center and left wing. With Frolunda of the SHL, Sweden’s top league, he had six goals, 10 assists, and a plus-seven rating this season in 48 games. Dower-Nilsson also contributed 2-2-4 totals in six playoff games. Earlier in the season, he helped Frolunda with the Champions Hockey League title, which signifies the club championship of Europe.

Dower-Nilsson describes himself as, first and foremost, a competitor.

Noah Dower Nilsson(3rd round’23)
1 Assist +2 5 SOG 16:18 TOI in a 2-1 win Frölunda still trails in the series 3-2.
I thought he played a solid game had a couple rough turnovers. Drew a penalty. Created a bit. #LGRW
Assist pic.twitter.com/VNu4f9O1pn

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 31, 2026

“Intensity,” he listed as his best quality. “A competitive game. Loves to win. Loves to play offense and have the puck. Love to go into the offensive zone and score some goals. 

“When I have the puck, I create opportunities for my teammates.”

Red Wings Also Drafted Dower-Nilsson’s Brother

Two years before selecting Noah Dower-Nilsson, the Red Wings made his older brother Liam Dower-Nilsson the 134th overall selection of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. However, when the deadline came to sign him or lose his rights, the Detroit brass opted to pass on Liam Dower-Nilsson.

He’s played the majority of the past four seasons in Hockey Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second division. Liam Dower-Nilsson compiled 21-36-57 totals this season with Bjorkloven.

The two Dower-Nilsson brothers were briefly teammates with Frolunda earlier in their careers.

Shortly after being drafted, the younger Dower-Nilsson brother was slowed by a nagging shoulder issue. Ultimately, surgery was required to correct the problem, but he’s moved past that ailment and has played regularly for Frolunda the past two seasons.