Pittsburgh Penguins' Erik Karlsson continues to be a renowned leader in hockey with an international captaincy.

PITTSBURGH – After his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Erik Karlsson has joined Team Sweden for the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia. Karlsson and linemate Marcus Pettersson are looking to help lead a loaded Sweden roster to their first goal medal at the tournament since 2018.

On the day of the tournament’s opening, Team Sweden announced that Karlsson will serve as team captain. At 33 years old, Karlsson is a veteran of the sport and has always been a true leader no matter where he plays. The three-time Norris Trophy winner is appearing in his third World Championship.

Over the span of his career, Karlsson has played 27 international games at the senior level and scored nine goals and 14 assists for 23 total points. In 16 junior games, he recorded 17 points (2G-15A).

In his first season with the Penguins, Karlsson played in all 82 games and recorded 11 goals and 45 assists for 56 points. That is low for Karlsson’s standards, but it did lead Penguins blue liners.

While Karlsson will play as Sweden’s captain, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman and Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond will serve as alternates.

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