Nilsson joins Goatheads

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League's Colorado Eagles, announced that the team has signed defenseman Edvin Nilsson to a contract for the 2026-27 season.

Nilsson joins New Mexico following a career-best season in the British Columbia Hockey League, recording 43 points (7g-36a) in 54 games between the Vernon Vipers and Chilliwack Chiefs.

The 20-year-old began the 2025-26 season with Vernon, serving as an alternate captain and recording 22 points (3g-19a) in 34 games. Nilsson was acquired by Chilliwack during the season and went on to record 21 points (4g-17a) in 20 regular-season games with the Chiefs. He added four points (1g-3a) in 12 playoff games and was named Chilliwack’s Top Defenseman at the conclusion of the season.

The Tranås, Sweden native spent parts of two seasons in the BCHL, totaling 61 points (10g-51a) in 97 regular-season games. Nilsson also appeared in six games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League during the 2024-25 season.

Nilsson developed in the HV71 system before making the move to North America. He recorded 25 points (6g-19a) in 46 games with HV71 J20 during the 2022-23 season before adding 14 points in 34 games the following year.

Internationally, Nilsson has represented Sweden at the junior level, including appearances at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World Junior A Challenge.