Mattias Janmark Nylén Bio
Mattias Janmark Nylén (born 8 December 1992) is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre who plays for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 188 cm and weighing 93 kg, Janmark is known for his speed, two-way play, and timely contributions in big games. He has previously played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Vegas Golden Knights. Janmark was drafted 79th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Early Life and Background
Mattias Janmark Nylén was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on 8 December 1992. He grew up in the Swedish capital and was introduced to ice hockey at a young age through local clubs. Before reaching the professional ranks, he spent time in the youth system of SDE HF before moving up to one of Sweden’s most historic programs, AIK Stockholm.
Janmark joined AIK’s development pipeline and worked his way through the U18 and U20 teams. During the 2009–10 season, he played his first full campaign with the organization after joining mid-season from SDE HF. He appeared in 17 games with the U20 squad, including four playoff contests, while also playing 34 games for the U18 team. He recorded four goals and eight assists at the U20 level and produced 13 goals and 22 assists in U18 play.
The following year, Janmark skated for AIK’s U20 team in the Super Elit league, appearing in 40 games and producing 11 goals and 17 assists. That steady progression through Sweden’s junior ranks laid the foundation for his eventual transition to professional hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Janmark made his professional debut during the 2011–12 season, appearing in 18 Elitserien games for AIK Stockholm while also serving as captain of the club’s U20 team. Although he did not record a point in his limited Elitserien ice time, he led AIK’s U20 squad with 23 goals and 38 assists in 40 games. That same year, he was ranked 98th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting but went unselected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
During the 2012–13 season, Janmark broke out as a top offensive contributor in Sweden’s top flight. He finished as AIK’s second-leading scorer behind Broc Little, recording 14 goals and 17 assists in 55 games. His strong play caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 79th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
After his draft year, Janmark was assigned by the Red Wings to the Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur try-out, making his American Hockey League debut on 18 April 2014. He then opted to remain in Sweden for the 2014–15 season, signing a one-year contract with Frölunda HC on 3 June 2014, where he scored 36 points in 55 games before his rights were traded to the Dallas Stars on 1 March 2015.
Mattias Janmark Nylén Career
Early Career (2011–2015)
Janmark’s early professional years were split between AIK Stockholm and Frölunda HC, where he developed into a reliable two-way forward. His best season in Sweden came with Frölunda in 2014–15, when he tallied 36 points in 55 games and showcased the playmaking and skating skills that made him an NHL prospect.
Following the trade that sent him to the Dallas Stars organization in March 2015, Janmark signed a two-year entry-level contract on 24 April 2015. He was immediately assigned to the Texas Stars for their playoff run, gaining his first taste of North American pro hockey and preparing for his NHL debut the following fall.
Dallas Stars Era (2015–2020)
Janmark made an unforgettable NHL debut on 8 October 2015, scoring his first career goal on his first shot on his first shift just 99 seconds into the game. The explosive start signalled the arrival of a quick, opportunistic forward who could contribute immediately at the top level. He went on to enjoy a successful rookie year with the Stars.
Janmark’s momentum was halted the following season, as he missed the entire 2016–17 campaign due to a knee injury. He returned to action and continued to develop as a dependable middle-six winger known for his speed and penalty-killing work. After four seasons in Dallas, the club re-signed him to a one-year, $2.3 million extension on 6 June 2019 before he departed as a free agent.
Chicago Blackhawks and Vegas Golden Knights (2020–2022)
On 12 October 2020, Janmark signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. His stay in Chicago lasted only part of one season before he was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights on 12 April 2021 as part of a three-way trade that also involved the San Jose Sharks.
Janmark produced one of the most memorable moments of his career on 28 May 2021, when he scored a hat trick for the Golden Knights in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild. The performance highlighted his clutch scoring touch and cemented his reputation as a big-game player.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2022–Present)
Janmark signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on 17 July 2022 and quickly became a useful depth contributor. On 9 November 2022, he was recalled from the Bakersfield Condors after Evander Kane went down with an injury, allowing him to re-establish himself in the NHL lineup.
During the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, Janmark played a central role in Edmonton’s deep playoff run. In Game 7 against the Florida Panthers, he scored the Oilers’ only goal to tie the game 1-1 in the first period, although Edmonton ultimately fell 2-1. On 1 July 2024, the Oilers rewarded his contributions with a three-year, $4.35 million contract extension that runs through the 2026–27 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Janmark is best known for his speed, smart positional play, and effectiveness on the penalty kill. His ability to chip in timely goals while checking top opponents has made him a coach’s favourite in depth roles across multiple organizations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Janmark’s most memorable moments are his debut hat trick of chances with a goal on his first NHL shift, his 2021 playoff hat trick against the Minnesota Wild, and his Game 7 goal in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Each performance underscored his knack for stepping up on the sport’s biggest stages.
Mattias Janmark Nylén Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Janmark grew up in Stockholm and developed through local youth programs before reaching the professional ranks. Public details about his immediate family are limited, and he has generally kept his personal life private away from the rink.
2025 Season Outlook
Janmark enters the 2025 season firmly entrenched in Edmonton’s bottom-six forward group under a contract that runs through 2027. With Evander Kane’s injury history and the Oilers’ continued push for a Stanley Cup, Janmark is expected to play a regular role on the penalty kill and provide secondary scoring.
Edmonton’s deep playoff run in 2024 reinforced the value of dependable depth scorers like Janmark, who delivered one of the team’s biggest moments of the Final. If he can replicate that production in 2025, he will remain an important piece of the Oilers’ championship aspirations.