2022 Men’s Ice Hockey Olympics Roster Projections: Team Sweden
With the 2022 Men’s Ice Hockey Olympics beginning in February 2022, we predict Team Sweden’s Ice Hockey Olympic Roster.
Heading into the 2022 Men’s Ice Hockey Olympics in Beijing, Team Sweden, much like other teams, heads into the tournament absent some key figures from past international competitions. The Sedin twins and Henrik Zetterberg have retired, and their main man in net, Henrik Lundqvist, is coming off heart surgery earlier in the year.
Even with those losses, Sweden still should be considered a favorite to medal in the elite international competition.
Forward Lines
Extras
One of the main things to like with this forward group is the blend of playmaking and finishing abilities each line possesses. The first line is a perfect example of that blend, with Landeskog, Eriksson Ek, and Nylander all providing strengths that their linemates might not have.
On the cusp: Rickard Rakell (ANA), Victor Olofsson (BUF), Lucas Raymond (DET)
Defensive Pairings
Extras
Team Sweden’s defense has the potential to be the best group of defenders heading to Beijing. The top pairing of Hedman and Karlsson, if they can get back to their prime form, might be the best pairing in the tournament. With juggernauts like Team Canada and the US in the field, it feels as though Sweden will go only as far as their defense will take them.
On the cusp: Hampus Lindholm (ANA), Oscar Klefbom (EDM), Rasmus Sandin (TOR)
Goalies
(2021) Jesper Wallstedt
The most notable absence on Sweden has to be their “King” between the pipes, Henrik Lundqvist. With “King” Henrik out of the picture, they’ll turn to Robin Lehner, Jacob Markstrom, and the young superstar Jesper Wallstedt.
With the US, Canada, and Finland all fielding Vezina trophy winners, Sweden’s netminders may be a bit behind in terms of talent. However, it should be easy for Tre Kronor to trust Robin Lehner, as he seems to play well in high-pressure situations.
I would not be surprised to see Wallstedt take over if given a chance, though.
On the cusp: Linus Ullmark (BUF)