Team Sweden could be defined by the players that are missing on the blue line; Skellefteå defenceman Elias Salomonsson, and San Jose Sharks pick Mattias Hävelid along with Detroit Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson are all out of the tournament; two strong defenders, and a budding NHL star that will be difficult to replace.
On the other hand, for Montreal Canadiens fans, this will mean that Adam Engström, who has had a stellar start of his SHL career in Rögle, gets a time to shine. The Swedish defence will also include 2023 NHL Draft prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka from Skellefteå, someone who people really should keep an eye on throughout the tournament.