Flames' Magic Man: Remembering Kent Nilsson's Time in Calgary
If you ask longtime Calgary Flames fans about the most skilled player to ever wear the red jersey, a lot of them will immediately say Kent Nilsson — better known as “The Magic Man.” Wayne Gretzky once called him the most skilled player he had ever seen. That’s something coming from The Great One.
The Flames drafted Nilsson in 1976.
The Flames originally drafted Nilsson in the 4th round in 1976, when they were still the Atlanta Flames. He joined the NHL in 1979-80 and made an immediate impact. But once the team moved to Calgary, Nilsson became a superstar.
In 1980-81, his first full season in Calgary, the Magic Man went off for 131 points (49 goals and 82 assists) in just 80 games. That single-season record still stands as the highest point total in Flames franchise history. It’s also the record for any Swedish player in NHL history. He finished third in league scoring behind only Gretzky and Marcel Dionne.
Over his time in Calgary, Nilsson put up an absurd 1.359 points per game, which remains the best mark in franchise history. In total, he scored 229 goals and 562 points in 425 games with the Flames. He made hockey look like art. His vision, hands, and creativity were on another level.
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Nilsson was as entertaining as he was good.
Fans loved him because he was pure entertainment. He could do things with the puck that left everyone in the building shaking their heads. For a few years, he was the guy carrying those early Calgary teams.
Unfortunately, his time in Calgary didn’t last as long as it should have. In 1985, the Flames traded him to Minnesota. At the time, some questioned his consistency and competitive level. Looking back, losing a player that talented always stings, even if the trade eventually helped bring in future pieces.
Nilsson didn’t make the Hall of Fame, despite his immense skill.
Nilsson’s career achievements haven't been enough to earn him a place in the Hall of Fame, despite his immense skill. But if he had played more seasons at the NHL level, there’s almost no doubt he’d be there. His time with the Flames was short but electric. He put the young franchise on the map and showed the NHL just how effective elite European skill could be.
The Magic Man left a mark on Calgary hockey that still hasn’t been matched for pure talent.