Team Sweden unveiled their 2026 World Junior Championship roster, which features Seattle Kraken prospect Loke Krantz.

Krantz was selected by the Kraken in the seventh round (218th overall) in the 2025 NHL draft. The 18-year-old is a surprise addition to Sweden's roster, but his play this season is more than deserving of the recognition. 

Playing with Linköping HC in the SHL, Krantz has notched a goal and an assist in 12 games. However, in the U-20 league, Krantz has netted 11 goals and accumulated 18 points in 14 games. Standing 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, Krantz has a solid frame that could allow him to be a useful player in Sweden's bottom-six if he makes the team.

Sweden's current roster consists of 26 players, broken down by three goaltenders, eight defenseman and 15 forwards. Sweden will need to make one roster cut prior to the start of the tournament, which begins on Dec. 26 in Minnesota.

Sweden's roster is headlined by Chicago Blackhawks top prospect Anton Frondell and 2026 draft-eligible winger Ivar Stenberg. Sweden's roster boasts plenty of talent, but surprisingly, it has just three first-round picks: Frondell (third overall in 2025), Viktor Eklund (15th overall in 2025), and Sascha Boumedienne (28th overall in 2025).

Sweden is a team to watch in this tournament, and Kraken prospect Krantz could be a key contributor on a medal-winning team. 

Goaltenders:

Love Härenstam (2025 round 6 #179 overall by St. Louis Blues)
Herman Liv (Undrafted)
Måns Goos (2025 round 5 #158 overall by Dallas Stars)    

Defensemen:
Felix Öhrqvist (Undrafted)
Leo Sahlin Wallenius (2024 round 2 #53 overall by San Jose Sharks)
Sascha Boumedienne (2025 round 1 #28 overall by Winnipeg Jets)
Viggo Gustafsson (2024 round 3 #77 overall by Nashville Predators)
Felix Carell (Undrafted)
Victor Johansson (2024 round 4 #120 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs)
William Håkansson (2026 NHL Draft)
Alfons Freij (2024 round 2 #37 overall by Winnipeg Jets)    

Forwards:
Lucas Pettersson (2024 round 2 #35 overall by Anaheim Ducks)
Milton Gästrin (2025 round 2 #37 overall by Washington Capitals)
Linus Eriksson (2024 round 2 #58 overall by Florida Panthers)
Ivar Stenberg (2026 NHL Draft)
Anton Frondell (2025 round 1 #3 overall by Chicago Blackhawks)
Valter Lindberg (Undrafted)
Viggo Björck (2026 NHL Draft)
Loke Krantz (2025 round 7 #218 overall by Seattle Kraken)
Liam Danielsson (Undrafted)
Eddie Genborg (2025 round 2 #44 overall by Detroit Red Wings)
Jack Berglund (2024 round 2 #51 overall by Philadelphia Flyers)
Wilson Björck (2025 round 5 #143 overall by Vancouver Canucks)
Eric Nilson (2025 round 2 #45 overall by Anaheim Ducks)
Casper Juustovaara Karlsson (2026 NHL Draft)
Victor Eklund (2025 round 1 #16 overall by (New York Islanders)

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.