New York Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom was supposed to represent Team Sweden at the 2025 World Championships. That was the plan.
However, that is no longer the case.
Here's Sweden's final roster:
So, the question is, why is Holmstrom no longer going?
Talking with a handful of people in the industry about international tournaments, Holmstrom's lack of a contract for the 2025-26 season likely contributed to the decision reversal.
When a player represents their country without a new contract for the upcoming NHL season and an NHL team still holds their rights (pending restricted free agent), that country has to pay insurance, and it could be rather expensive.
Now, every country has a budget for the insurance. Looking at Sweden's roster, G Arvid Soderblom and F Isac Lundestrom are both pending restricted free agents.
Like most players on the Islanders, I heard that Holmstrom was waiting to discuss an extension with president and general manager Lou Lamoriello come season's end. But, with Lamoriello's contract not being renewed, all contract discussions are on hold until a new president and/or GM is named.
The tournament takes place from May 9 to May 25, with Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark, serving as co-hosts.