Nino Niederreiter Bio
Nino Niederreiter is a Swiss professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 8, 1992, in Chur, Switzerland, Niederreiter has established himself as a prominent figure in professional hockey since his NHL debut in the 2010–11 season. He was the highest-drafted Swiss player in NHL history at the time, selected fifth overall by the New York Islanders in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Over his career, he has played for several NHL teams and reached the milestone of 1,000 NHL games in December 2025.
Early Life and Background
Nino Niederreiter was born in Chur, Switzerland, where he began his hockey journey in the junior system of HC Davos. Demonstrating early promise, he appeared in three playoff games for the senior HC Davos club in 2010. Seeking to advance his career, Niederreiter made the uncommon choice among Swiss players to move to North America to play junior hockey, aiming to increase his chances of making the NHL.
Path to Hockey
Niederreiter declared himself eligible for the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and was selected by the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In his rookie season with Portland, he led the team in goals with 36 and earned a spot on the Western Conference Second All-Star Team. His performance in North America garnered attention, including an invitation to the CHL Top Prospects Game, where he impressed with a trick shot and scoring ability. These achievements set the stage for his high selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Nino Niederreiter Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
Niederreiter began his professional career in 2009 and made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders in October 2010, becoming the youngest player in Islanders history to appear in an NHL game. He scored his first NHL goal shortly after, becoming one of the youngest players in the league to do so. After nine NHL games, he was returned to the Portland Winterhawks for further development. Niederreiter spent the 2011–12 season with the Islanders, primarily playing on the fourth line. During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, he was assigned to the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Breakthrough (2013–2025)
In June 2013, Niederreiter was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he gained more ice time and became a regular in the top-six forward group. His first full season with the Wild saw him score 14 goals and 22 assists. He made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in 2014, contributing significantly to the team’s advancement in the playoffs. Niederreiter signed a three-year contract extension with the Wild in 2014 and later a five-year deal in 2017. In January 2019, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, where his scoring improved notably. After signing with the Nashville Predators in 2022, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in February 2023. In December 2023, Niederreiter re-signed a three-year contract with the Jets. He reached the milestone of playing his 1,000th NHL game on December 13, 2025, becoming the first Swiss-born player to do so.
Notable Works and Milestones
Niederreiter’s career is marked by his status as the highest-drafted Swiss player at the time of his selection, his early NHL debut and goal-scoring records, and his longevity in the league, highlighted by his 1,000th NHL game milestone. His transitions across multiple NHL teams reflect his adaptability and consistent performance at the professional level.
Nino Niederreiter Award Nominations
While specific award nominations are not documented, Niederreiter’s selection to the Western Conference Second All-Star Team in the WHL and his inclusion in the tournament all-star team at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships indicate recognition of his skill and impact during his early career.
Nino Niederreiter Awards Won
Niederreiter’s career includes recognition such as his WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team selection and his tournament all-star team honor at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He also earned a silver medal representing Switzerland at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.
Nino Niederreiter Family
Details about Niederreiter’s family background are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Personal details such as marital status or children are not publicly available. Niederreiter maintains a professional focus on his hockey career and is active on social media platforms, including Instagram. His physical attributes include a height of 188 cm and a weight of 99 kg. He holds Swiss nationality and has played professionally since 2009.