Elias Pettersson, William Nylander and Erik Karlsson are among Adam Proteau's predictions for the first six players on Sweden's 4 Nations Face-Off roster.
The NHL and NHL Players Association’s 4 Nations Face-Off will be staged next February, but people are already stoked to predict what will happen.
On June 28, each of the four participating countries – Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States – will reveal which first six players they’ve confirmed as taking part in the tournament, and the remainder of the roster will be announced by the end of the calendar year.
With video assistance from Michael Traikos and Jacob Stoller, we’re predicting the four NHL stars that are guaranteed to represent their homeland and adding two additional very-likely roster possibilities for each team. (Your humble correspondent’s picks may not be identical to the choices of Traikos and Stoller, but that difference of opinion just adds to the fun.)
We started this process in alphabetical order of countries, with a look at Canada first and Finland second. We’re now examining Sweden’s roster for the tournament. Let’s get to it.
Sweden's Locks
- Linus Ullmark, G, Boston Bruins
- William Nylander, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Elias Pettersson, LW/C, Vancouver Canucks
When we put together a guesstimate for Sweden’s roster in a best-on-best-type tournament last September, it was clear the team would have multiple star players in the lineup. But at least four veterans are no-brainer participants for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
That list begins with Ullmark, a lock to be one of Sweden’s goaltenders. Sweden will also undoubtedly be represented by Toronto’s Nylander, Vancouver’s Pettersson and Tampa Bay’s Hedman. Each of the four stars will be prominent in Sweden’s game plan for success. If any of them are injured and can’t play, it will be a blow the Swedes probably can’t overcome as they try to beat the heavily favored American and Canadian squads.
Sweden’s depth overall isn’t as threatening as Canada’s or the USA's, but the Swedes do have their share of elite talents.
Sweden's Remaining Two Possibilities
Erik Karlsson, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
At age 34, Karlsson’s best on-ice days are behind him, but he’s still a lock to be on Sweden’s blueline at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Karlsson had a down year by his standards last season, but he still managed to generate 45 assists and 56 points in 82 games this year. His puck-moving ability and vision make him one of Sweden’s key contributors, and he’s been a point-per-game player at the World Championship and 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Sweden’s management expects the same type of contribution again in 2025, and Karlsson will be motivated to show he’s still got a lot of gas in his competitive tank, especially when it comes to representing his homeland.
It would be utterly shocking if he were left off the roster, but barring some injury, that will not happen.
Elias Lindholm, C, Vancouver Canucks
He didn’t have his best season as an NHLer in 2023-24, but Lindholm remains one of Sweden’s top players, and he’s guaranteed to be on the roster when the 4 Nations Face-Off begins.
The 29-year-old center could be Sweden’s top-line pivot, and his two-way game will be crucial to the Swedes’ chances of winning a gold medal in this showdown. Lindholm has had a good deal of success at the international level, and he’ll need to provide the Swedes with solid contributions on offense and a smart defensive game as well. He’s capable of doing so, but the pressure on him will be considerable.
Who do you think should make the team? Let us know at our forum or in the comments. Here's what Michael and Jacob had to say:
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