From Chur to Winnipeg, Nino Niederreiter set to become first Swiss player to reach 1,000 NHL games

From a wide-eyed rookie on Long Island to a seasoned veteran in Winnipeg, Nino Niederreiter has found ways to stay in the lineup and march toward 1,000 NHL games.

For a Winnipeg Jets team mired in a recent slump, Friday’s practice provided a moment of recognizition for his achievment. Niederreiter took the lead in the stretching circle to close the session, a small but fitting nod as he approaches one of hockey’s most exclusive milestones.

Speaking with media afterward, Niederreiter reflected on what the moment means to him.

“It’s definitely a very special moment for me and my whole family, all my friends who stood with me all the time. The good times, the bad times — it’s fun to achieve that together.”

Niederreiter will welcome many family members, friends, and his athletic coach to Canada Life Centre on Saturday night to support him as he reaches the 1,000-game mark.

Traditionally, NHL players who reach the milestone are presented with a silver stick. Three players have received the honour during their time with the Jets: Paul Stastny, followed by Blake Wheeler and Sam Gagner.

Teammates have been quick to praise Niederreiter for his consistency and work ethic. Defenseman Josh Morrissey shared his thoughts during his media scrum.

“What he’s done and the level of consistency he’s brought to get there is special. I think everyone involved in the game knows the hours and the work it takes and commitment and sacrifice. It’s the best league in the world. It’s tough to get here and even tougher to stay here. To be able to get here and excel for 1,000 is a special milestone for anybody.”

Niederreiter has often described his career as a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows. His journey began far from the NHL spotlight.

Early Beginnings

Niederreiter was born in Chur, Switzerland, in 1992. His father worked as a steel worker, his mother as a midwife, and he grew up alongside two sisters. At five years old, he became captivated by Harijs Vitolins, who briefly played in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets but was primarily known for his time with Niederreiter’s hometown club, EHC Chur.

Hockey quickly became an obsession — one that was nearly taken away at an early age. Before his 10th birthday, Niederreiter was struck by a motorcycle while crossing the street on his scooter. As he was rushed to the hospital, he delivered one message to his family.

“If I die, I want you to bury me in hockey gear…”

Fortunately, Niederreiter made a full recovery. He went on to dominate minor hockey, playing multiple age levels with HC Davos and eventually drawing the attention of the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.

Finding His Footing in Junior

Niederreiter joined the Winterhawks for the 2009–10 season and quickly fit in alongside future NHLers Ryan Johansen, Joe Morrow, and Luca Sbisa — the latter two eventually playing for the Jets.

“Ryan was a rookie on the team, just like me. When we travelled 30 hours by bus to an away game, we both had to sit in the very back. That brought us closer together. Suddenly we understood each other on and off the ice almost blindly.”

Niederreiter recorded 60 points in 65 games, firmly placing himself on the NHL Draft radar.

The NHL Start

The New York Islanders selected Niederreiter fifth overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. Other future Jets taken in the first round that year included Kevin Hayes, Alexander Burmistrov, and Derek Forbort. Niederreiter and Johansen were selected back-to-back — a rarity for junior teammates.

“Ryan and Nino are two special players and terrific young men. It’s a testament to the progress our franchise has made to have two players taken in the top five of the draft,” said Winterhawks president Doug Piper.

With the selection, Niederreiter became the highest-drafted Swiss player in NHL history, a record that stood until 2017, when Nico Hischier was selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils.

Niederreiter made his NHL debut on Oct. 9, 2010, in a 5–4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars. Ahead of his 1,000th game, he joked that he remembered registering just one shot on goal — though he actually had two.

Despite lofty expectations and becoming the youngest Islander to score a goal — a record he still holds, edging phenom Matthew Schaefer by one day — his tenure with the Islanders was turbulent. After recording just two points in nine games, he was returned to Portland, where he tallied 67 points in 55 games.

His first full NHL season proved difficult. Niederreiter scored one goal in 55 games and spent time in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. A bright spot came in sharing the ice with Swiss pioneer Mark Streit.

“Streit took care of me like a big brother. I was allowed to stay with him.”

The following season saw Niederreiter spend the entire year in the AHL, posting 50 points in 74 games. After being left off the Islanders’ 2013 training camp roster, his agent requested a trade. On June 30, 2013, New York dealt Niederreiter to the Minnesota Wild for Cal Clutterbuck and a third-round pick.

“He will certainly have a clean slate with us. His size and scoring ability are two ingredients that we can certainly use,” said Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher.

Niederreiter finished his Islanders tenure with 64 NHL games — a chapter that, in hindsight, proved pivotal.

Making Roots in Minnesota

Niederreiter quickly became a fixture in Minnesota, recording 36 points in his first season with the Wild. His most memorable moment came in the 2014 playoffs, when he scored the overtime winner in Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche, sending the Wild to the second round for just the second time in franchise history.

He went on to log 434 games with Minnesota, recording 228 points. His most productive season came in 2016–17, when he tallied 25 goals and 57 points.

As a division rival, Niederreiter frequently crossed paths with the Jets, including Minnesota’s five-game playoff loss to Winnipeg in 2018, a series in which he was held pointless. He began the 2018–19 season at a slower pace, recording 23 points in 46 games, before being unexpectedly traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in a one-for-one swap for Victor Rask.

“We’re excited to welcome a proven goal scorer and veteran presence in Nino Niederreiter,” said Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell.

Back in the East

The trade proved beneficial for Carolina. While Rask struggled in Minnesota, Niederreiter rediscovered his form, posting point totals of 53, 29, 34, and 44 across four seasons with the Hurricanes.

He established himself as a reliable top-nine forward capable of contributing on both special teams. Known for his strength and net-front presence, Niederreiter was often relied upon to win puck battles and provide timely screens on Carolina’s fast-paced teams.

He was part of two deep playoff runs, reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2019 and the semifinals in 2022. In total, he played 234 games with the Hurricanes.

As a free agent in the summer of 2022, Niederreiter returned to the Central Division, signing a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators.

Familiar Ground in the Central

Niederreiter’s time in Nashville was shorter than anticipated. As the Predators struggled in the standings, management opted to sell ahead of the trade deadline.

With 28 points in 56 games, Niederreiter was dealt on Feb. 25, 2023, to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 draft.

He joined the Jets for a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw Winnipeg relinquish a division lead, settle for the second wild-card spot, and fall to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

Despite the team’s struggles, Niederreiter’s game translated well. He settled into a role between the second and third lines, providing consistency and versatility.

The following season, he recorded 34 points in 77 games and helped the Jets finish second in the Central Division. Along the way, he signed a three-year contract extension.

“Obviously, I’m very happy to be here for another three years,” Niederreiter said upon signing the deal.

Since joining Winnipeg, Niederreiter has tallied 99 points in 211 games. He sits five points shy of 500 career NHL points, but on Saturday night, he will reach a different milestone — becoming the first Swiss-born player to play 1,000 NHL games, reaching the mark 20 games ahead of Roman Josi.

While appreciative of the achievement, Niederreiter has been clear about his priorities. Winning remains the focus, and he hopes the final chapters of his career include hockey’s ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup.

But on Saturday night, regardless of what comes next, Niederreiter’s place in hockey history is secure. From a wide-eyed Swiss kid who nearly lost the game before he turned 10, to a reliable NHL forward who endured demotions, trades, and expectations, he will stand alone — the first Swiss-born player to reach 1,000 NHL games.

Not flashy. Not easy. Just earned.