Team Sweden has revealed their roster for the 2024 IIHF World Championship on their official Twitter account (Twitter link). The team is once again spearheaded by NHL talent, though it’s significantly younger than in year’s past – with veterans like Jakob Silfverberg and Carl Grundström being swapped out for U21 players like Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Felix Unger Sorum. It’s a new look for a country that hasn’t medaled since their back-to-back gold medal wins in 2017 and 2018.
The roster is headlined by a star-cast defense, with Buffalo Sabres stud Rasmus Dahlin linking up with Minnesota Wild shutdown defender Jonas Brodin to form a top pair that can do it all. Pittsburgh’s Marcus Pettersson offers stout depth behind them, though the trio might have to do a lot of heavy lifting on a blue-line that doesn’t have much active NHL experience behind them.
And while the defense may lack some depth behind a strong top-end, the offense could have impact-players on all four lines. They’re headlined by the reliable Joel Eriksson Ek, who will likely be joined by Seattle’s Andre Burakovsky on the top line. But young players like Alexander Holtz, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Felix Unger Sorum have each shown their ability to create a spark. They’ll have the veteran guidance of the SHL’s Joakim Nygard, who should offer plenty of leadership and heft down the lineup.
The group is rounded out by a fantastic goalie room. Star prospect Jesper Wallstedt once again leads the charge, but he’s now backed by Samuel Ersson and Filip Gustavsson – two netminders who commanded plenty of ice time with their NHL clubs this season. Any of the three goalies could perform well if given the chance, giving Sweden plenty of flexibility behind an offense that’ll have plenty of learning chances and a top-heavy defense.
The full roster is:
F Jonathan Lekkerimaki
F Alexander Holtz
F Joakim Nygard
F Max Friberg
F Joel Eriksson Ek
F Felix Unger Sorum
F Marcus Sorensen
F Isac Lundestrom
F Christoffer Ehn
F Lukas Vejdemo
F Fabian Zetterlund
F Linus Johansson
F Victor Olofsson
F Andre Burakovsky
D Oscar Fantenberg
D Jonas Brodin
D Rasmus Dahlin
D Marcus Pettersson
D Lukas Bengtsson
D Filip Berglund
D Jesper Sellgren
D Tim Heed
D Patrik Nemeth
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