If Sweden had to select their Olympic team for 2022 NOW, I believe this would be the roster.
Offense: down the middle, they are as strong as anyone. Excellent skill with guys who can be moved up and down the lineup. Very impressive. And they have more grit that you’d think with a team that harbors so much skill. Under Consideration: Soderberg, Marcus Johansson, Bemstrom, Nyquist, Wennberg, Mattias Janmark, Eriksson Ek, Rask, Lucas Wallmark, Bratt, Fast, Hornqvist, Melker Karlsson, Oskar Sundqvist, Steen, Andreas Johnsson, Backlund
Defense: let’s be honest...defense is Sweden’s strong suit. LOADED for action. This is what stirs the drink. The only question was the 6-7 spot. The other five were locked. I struggled with Dahlin. There were a number of talented choices left off, but I like his speed, skill, and maturity. Under consideration: Lindholm, Djoos, Jacob Larsson, Hjalmarsson, Erik Gustafsson, Nemeth, Ericsson, Klefbom, Adam Larsson, Brodin, Edler
Goalies: I know, the King isn’t on here. It was tough, but I think it will be a changing of the guard. Under Consideration: Linus Ullmark, Lundqvist
I think William karlsson slots into the lineup over hagelin.
I agree that he is the better offensive player. But he hasn’t been able to replicate his fantastic inaugural Vegas season. I don’t see it as enough of a win to insert him into the bottom of Sweden’s lineup to replace the speedy, short handed star in Hagelin - who has won before. I like them both though!
I agree that he is the better offensive player. But he hasn’t been able to replicate his fantastic inaugural Vegas season. I don’t see it as enough of a win to insert him into the bottom of Sweden’s lineup to replace the speedy, short handed star in Hagelin - who has won before. I like them both though!
W Karlsson was the best forward in the Stanley Cup finals for Vegas this year in a team that is a contender. Imo he belongs in the first two lines. Also, you should check out this interesting article about the Swedish team and advanced statistics.
As you can see from the article, he is described as a Corsi monster, and it’s generally good to have monsters in your roster.
Joes Eriksson Ek is missing from your lineup also. He was fourth in Selke voting (best defensive forward) and will certainly, barring injuries, like W Karlsson, be in the starting roster. He is another player that should be considered a top 9 role. He had very good stats especially given he was producing points playing with players not that offensively gifted, and facing very good opposition. This year he is a favorite to centre the top line in Minnesota, which means his numbers might go up drastically.