The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast-Nilsson and Hedberg-Episode #7

The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast

A nostalgic look back at my favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 60's,70's and 80's.

In Episode #7 we look back at two of the most eagerly awaited free agents ever signed by the Rangers during the late 70's. Swedish stars Ulf Nilsson a Center and Anders Hedberg a Right Winger. Both arriving together in June of 78 after 4 brilliant years with the WHA Winnipeg Jets.

*Both have been elected to the Jets Hall of Fame.

* Along with Superstar Bobby Hull they formed one of the most prolific lines in Hockey called the "Hot Line".

*Hedberg was voted as one of the top 100 Rangers

* Nilsson scored 27 goals in an injury shortened first year with the Rangers while Hedberg notched 33.

* Hedberg holds the Rangers all time scoring record for a European player with 397 career points.

* Hedberg won the Bill Masterson Trophy in 84-85

* Hedberg was named an NHL All- Star during the 84-85season

* Nilsson and Hedberg won 2 WHA Championships with the Jets

* Nilsson's career was negatively impacted after a severe ankle injury from a Dennis Potvin check at MSG

* Both players paved the way for other Swedish/European players to leave Europe and play in the Rugged WHA and NHL