Lekkerimäki, Pettesson and Willander will represent their country on home soil.
Team Sweden announced their roster for the upcoming World Juniors, with three Canuck prospects making the cut. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Elias Pettersson and Tom Willander will all have the chance to represent their home country later on this month as Sweden looks to win Gold for the first time since 2012. The tournament is set to take place from December 26, 2023, to January 5, 2024, with all games being played in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Lekkerimäki has competed in the last two World Juniors for Sweden, winning Bronze in 2022. In 14 career games at the tournament, he has recorded one goal and six assists. Expect him to play a significant role for Sweden, not just at even strength but on the first unit power play as well.
As for Pettersson, this will be his second opportunity to represent Sweden at this tournament. In 2023, he finished with three assists in seven games and finished the event on a two-game point streak. While Sweden is bringing a strong group of defencemen to the tournament, he should have no problem sliding into the team's top four and will be a factor on the penalty kill.
Lastly, making his World Juniors debut will be Tom Willander. The Canucks 2023 first-round draft pick is having a strong season at Boston University and has a history of success with Team Sweden at international tournaments. One of only two 18-year-old defencemen on this team; it will be interesting to see what type of role Sweden plays him in during the tournament.