Holmqvist was drafted 18th overall by the
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the
1997 NHL entry draft from the
SEL. After moving to the
SM-liiga with
TPS in 1999, Holmqvist made it to North America to start the
2003–04 season. Michael only managed to play 21 games for the Ducks during the season, splitting time with affiliate, the
Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the
American Hockey League. On July 30, 2005, Holmqvist was traded by the Ducks to the
Chicago Blackhawks for
Travis Moen. In the
2005–06 season, Michael enjoyed his best year, recording 10 goals and 20 points in 72 games played. Holmqvist played two full seasons with the Blackhawks before returning to the SEL in 2007. In total, Holmqvist played 156 regular season games, scoring 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points while collecting 72 penalty minutes. ==Career statistics==