Sweden released their roster for the upcoming World Championships, which gets underway on Friday, early this morning. While they have plenty of players in the NHL (especially on the forward group), this team primarily consists of players playing in leagues overseas. Their roster is as follows with NHL affiliations noted where applicable.
Goaltenders
Samuel Ersson (PHI)
Viktor Fasth
Adam Reideborn
Defensemen
Klas Dahlback
Albert Johansson (DET)
Viktor Loov
Nils Lundkvist (NYR)
Magnus Nygren
Lawrence Pilut (BUF)
Jonathan Pudas
Jesper Sellgren (CAR)
Henrik Tommernes
Forwards
Max Friberg
Jesper Froden
Filip Hallander (TOR)
Pontus Holmberg (TOR)
Adrian Kempe (LAK)
Mario Kempe
Carl Klingberg
Oscar Lindberg
Par Lindholm
Isac Lundestrom (ANH)
Victor Olofsson (BUF)
Rickard Rakell (ANH)
Dennis Rasmussen
Marcus Sorensen (SJ)
Andreas Wingerli
The group has quite a few NHL players on their roster, especially at the forward position, although only a handful have World Championship experience. The biggest name on the list is Anaheim’s Rakell. The 28-year-old forward has appeared in one previous World Championship, back in 2017-18 when he scored six goals and 14 points in 10 games for Sweden. Los Angeles Kings’ Kempe also headlines a solid forward group. Kempe will be appearing in his third World Championship. Olofsson is another significant name who will be appearing in his first World Championship. He is coming off a 13-goal campaign in Buffalo this year. Sorensen, who has bounced back with a solid campaign in San Jose, also joins the group.
On the prospect front in terms of those that haven’t made their NHL debut, it’s the defense that is loaded up with a number of interesting names. The most notable name is Lundkvist, who is property of the New York Rangers. It’s believed that negotiations between the 20-year-old blueliner and the Rangers will get underway soon, likely after the World Championships to bring the prospect over. He could walk right away onto the Rangers’ blueline with a solid preseason (assuming he signs). Johansson is another defenseman who has put up solid numbers in the SHL and is likely to arrive in Detroit this coming season, although he will likely need some time in the AHL. Sellgren is another player on loan to the SHL who will likely be expected to establish himself in the AHL for the Carolina Hurricanes next season. Don’t forget Philadelphia’s Ersson, who has had a solid year in net this past year in the SHL and looks ready to come over as well.
Sweden’s tournament gets underway next Saturday with a matchup against Denmark.
Probably the best forward group of the bunch. Goaltending, not so much.