Soon it will be clear how Tre Kronor will line up in the premiere edition of the 4 Nations Face-Off in North America.
After a long break, it’s almost finally time for four of the top national teams to be able to bring their biggest stars to a tournament, as it’s the premiere of the 4 Nations Face-Off that will take place in Boston and Montreal.
During the autumn, Canada, Sweden, the USA and Finland presented their first names in the squad, but there are still many stars waiting for their ticket to the tournament, and during the week we at vmishockey.se will therefore speculate about how the various squads will actually be able to see out. Previously, we took a look at how Canada, Finland and the USA could line up and today the turn has come to Tre Kronor – who have good opportunities to build a strong squad with great potential.
This is how Sweden can line up in the 4 Nations Face-Off
Goalkeepers
Linus Ullmark (31 years) – Ottawa Senators
Jacob Markstrom (age 34) – New Jersey Devils
Filip Gustavsson (26 years old) – Minnesota Wild
COMMENT: Tre Kronor looks to be able to field strong names in all positions and on the goalkeeper side it looks relatively promising. Linus Ullmark feels more or less given because in his best moments he is world class and in the 22/23 season he was named the league’s best in the position. Filip Gustavsson also maintains a high level and has started this season in a convincing way, which means that the 26-year-old also feels largely a given in the squad. Jacob Markström would contribute valuable routine and he seems to have settled in relatively quickly at his new club, but there are a couple of other players who are contenders for a place. This applies not least to Arvid Söderblom who surprised in Chicago during the autumn and Samuel Ersson (Philadelphia) has also started the season in a good way.
Backs
Erik Karlsson (age 34) – Pittsburgh Penguins
Victor Hedman (age 34) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Gustav Forsling (age 28) – Florida Panthers
Rasmus Dahlin (age 24) – Buffalo Sabres
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (age 33) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Rasmus Andersson (28 years old) – Calgary Flames
Mattias Ekholm (34 years) – Edmonton Oilers
COMMENT: On the flip side, the competition is very tough and there are experts who actually say that Tre Kronor will be able to have the tournament’s best line-up of players. Since before, the trio Karlsson/Hedman/Forsling is guaranteed a place and behind them Rasmus Dahlin feels given. Rasmus Andersson has taken great strides forward in recent years and should also have a good chance of securing a place, but then neither Ekman-Larsson nor Ekholm can feel sure of being selected. There are many contenders and players such as Rasmus Sandin (Washington), Marcus Pettersson (Pittsburgh) and St. Louis’ successful back Philip Broberg are also mentioned in the preliminary talk. Here, there are undoubtedly many players to choose from for national team captain Sam Hallam.
Forwards
William Forsberg (age 28) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Mika Zibanejad (age 31) – New York Rangers
Filip Forsberg (age 30) – Nashville Predators
Jesper Bratt (26 years old) – New Jersey Devils
Lucas Raymond (22 år) – Detroit Red Wings
Elias Pettersson (age 26) – Vancouver Canucks
Leo Carlsson (19 years) – Anaheim Ducks
William Karlsson (31 years) – Vegas Golden Knights
Joel Eriksson Ek (27 years old) – Minnesota Wild
Mikael Backlund (age 35) – Calgary Flames
Adrian Kempe (age 28) – Los Angeles Kings
William Eklund (age 22) – San Jose Sharks
Gustav Nyquist (age 35) – Nashville Predators
COMMENT: Just like on the back side, Sam Hallam has already taken out three players (Forsberg, Zibanejad & Nylander), which are three players who would still be given in the squad. That Jesper Bratt and Lucas Raymond also each get a ticket feels highly probable and there is a lot that also speaks for junior Leo Carlsson getting a ticket to the tournament.
Among the slightly younger players, William Eklund has also impressed and then there is very stiff competition for the other places. Seasoned rock Mikael Backlund is far from a given, but has done a lot of good for Tre Kronor over the years and could become a valuable role player. Among the players who are also challenging for a place are, among other things, Rickard Rakell, Elias Lindholm and André Burakovsky, who was good in the WC but not really convinced in the autumn. Regardless of which players get the last spots, Tre Kronor will have plenty of offensive strength in the tournament.
Tre Kronor’s schedule in the 4 Nations Face-Off
February 13
Canada – Sweden (02:00)
February 15
Finland – Sweden (19:00)
February 18
Sweden – USA (02:00)
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Let the Games Begin: Tre Kronor Unveils Their 4 Nations Face-Off Roster!
Well, folks, it’s that time again! Hockey enthusiasts, get your popcorn ready because the 4 Nations Face-Off is just around the corner. Tre Kronor—Sweden’s proud warriors—are lining up to face off against Canada, the USA, and Finland. And trust me, if you thought your last family dinner was intense, just wait until you see these teams take the ice!
Goalkeepers: Lid Up Your Expectations!
First up on our roster check—oh, let’s start with our goalkeepers. Expecting a question on how many Swedish chefs it takes to make a save? Well, it’s far easier if you’re Linus Ullmark, who’s currently on a mission to redefine the term “wall” in goal. With his recent accolades, Ullmark has proven he’s got what it takes to fend off not just pucks, but also the intense pressure of being a top-tier goalie.
Backing him up are Jacob Markström and the promising Filip Gustavsson. At 26, Gustavsson is trying to harness the energy of a caffeinated squirrel at a craft fair, which could spell good news for Tre Kronor. But let’s not forget… Arvid Söderblom and Samuel Ersson are lurking around, trying to crash the keeper party. It’s like a goalie version of “Survivor”—may the best block win!
Now, the Back End of Things—The Defense!
Speaking of walls, let’s talk about the defense! If I didn’t know better, I’d think Tre Kronor is running a seasoned retirement home for ‘d-men’ with the ages these guys bring—and they’re still more mobile than me after two cocktails! Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman, both 34 (yes, they’re basically the grandpas of the ice), lend experience and, let’s be honest, a few gray hairs to the lineup. Meanwhile, Rasmus Dahlin is like a breath of fresh air—a delicious avocado toast in an artisanal café on a Sunday morning—youthful and highly effective!
When you throw in Gustav Forsling and Rasmus Andersson, you’ve got a mix that could very well be the envy of the entire tournament. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mattias Ekholm are still fighting for their space, but let’s face it, there’s a bit of a traffic jam at the back end. Expect some fierce competition here: it’s like a high-stakes game of musical chairs but with more slashing!
Forwards: Let’s Get This Party Started!
Now, onto the forwards—where the real fun happens. With stars like William Forsberg, Mika Zibanejad, and the ever-so-young Leo Carlsson, expect goals, assists, and a lot of “Did you see that?” moments! If there’s one thing Team Sweden does well, it’s lighting up the score sheet. And let’s not forget the veteran presence of Mikael Backlund—he might not be the fastest, but boy, can he still put up a fight!
Everyman’s underdog William Eklund is making waves as well—so keep an eye on the kids, folks! However, if Backlund was a bag of chips, this tournament is a diet where he’s got to fight to keep his crunch. The competition for forward spots is as fierce as a cat that’s been told it’s not the “most important” child in the family, but let’s not go there.
Match Schedule—Make Sure to Set Your Alarms!
Now, a quick rundown of the must-watch matches while you adjust your couch potato posture:
February 13
Canada – Sweden (02:00)
February 15
Finland – Sweden (19:00)
February 18
Sweden – USA (02:00)
So sharpen your blades, grease those sticks, and let’s get ready for a hockey showdown that promises to be more exciting than a rollercoaster ride at two in the morning! Brace yourselves, hockey fans; Tre Kronor is here to deliver ice-cold entertainment with a side of witty repartee—and possibly some serious on-ice drama!
And remember—though it’s just a game, the excitement is as real as the snacks and drinks you’ll be consuming during those tense match moments. May the best team win, or at least may your favorite player score that oh-so-elusive hat trick!
Shortly, fans will get their first look at Tre Kronor’s lineup for the highly anticipated premiere of the 4 Nations Face-Off in North America.
After a long hiatus from international competition, the stage is set for four elite national teams to showcase their premier talents in a tournament that promises excitement, taking place across iconic venues in Boston and Montreal.
As autumn unfolded, Canada, Sweden, the USA, and Finland kicked off their team announcements, revealing initial roster names. However, numerous star players are still vying for their spots, prompting us at vmishockey.se to delve into potential roster formations. We have previously explored Canada, Finland, and the USA’s prospects, and now it’s time to analyze Tre Kronor, which possesses a remarkable opportunity to establish a formidable squad loaded with potential.
This is how Sweden can line up in the 4 Nations Face-Off
Goalkeepers
Linus Ullmark (31 years) – Ottawa Senators
Jacob Markstrom (age 34) – New Jersey Devils
Filip Gustavsson (26 years old) – Minnesota Wild
COMMENT: Tre Kronor boasts a promising roster across all positions, particularly in goal, where they seem set to feature world-class talent. Linus Ullmark is expected to take the starting position, having been recognized as the top goaltender in the league during the previous season. Filip Gustavsson has also showcased impressive form at the beginning of this season, solidifying his role as a likely contender for the squad. Veteran Jacob Markström brings invaluable experience, having adapted well to his new team, while emerging talents like Arvid Söderblom and Samuel Ersson are expected to push for a spot after their strong performances.
Backs
Erik Karlsson (age 34) – Pittsburgh Penguins
Victor Hedman (age 34) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Gustav Forsling (age 28) – Florida Panthers
Rasmus Dahlin (age 24) – Buffalo Sabres
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (age 33) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Rasmus Andersson (28 years old) – Calgary Flames
Mattias Ekholm (age 34) – Edmonton Oilers
COMMENT: In defense, Sweden faces intense competition, and many experts suggest that Tre Kronor may feature the tournament’s strongest backline. The established trio of Karlsson, Hedman, and Forsling is already assured a spot, with Rasmus Dahlin also likely to secure his place. Rasmus Andersson’s rapid development enhances his chances, but the selection of Ekman-Larsson and Ekholm remains uncertain due to the wealth of options available. National team captain Sam Hallam has an array of talented players to choose from, including rising stars like Rasmus Sandin and Marcus Pettersson.
Forwards
William Forsberg (age 28) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Mika Zibanejad (age 31) – New York Rangers
Filip Forsberg (age 30) – Nashville Predators
Jesper Bratt (26 years old) – New Jersey Devils
Lucas Raymond (22 years) – Detroit Red Wings
Elias Pettersson (age 26) – Vancouver Canucks
Leo Carlsson (age 19) – Anaheim Ducks
William Karlsson (age 31) – Vegas Golden Knights
Joel Eriksson Ek (27 years old) – Minnesota Wild
Mikael Backlund (age 35) – Calgary Flames
Adrian Kempe (age 28) – Los Angeles Kings
William Eklund (age 22) – San Jose Sharks
Gustav Nyquist (age 35) – Nashville Predators
COMMENT: On the forward front, Sam Hallam has already made preliminary selections, including standout players Forsberg, Zibanejad, and Nylander. Jesper Bratt and Lucas Raymond are likely to join the ranks, while junior sensation Leo Carlsson seems poised to earn his place in the lineup. Meanwhile, William Eklund’s impressive showing has added to the competition, with seasoned veterans like Mikael Backlund fighting for a chance to contribute their experience. The competition is fierce among players like Rickard Rakell and Elias Lindholm, ensuring Tre Kronor will carry an abundance of offensive firepower into the tournament.
Tre Kronor’s schedule in the 4 Nations Face-Off
February 13
Canada – Sweden (02:00)
February 15
Finland – Sweden (19:00)
February 18
Sweden – USA (02:00)
What factors will influence the selection of Sweden’s defensive unit for the tournament?
Of talent available. The fierce competition among defenders could lead to surprising adjustments as the tournament approaches. Expect a strategic selection that balances experience with youthful energy, ultimately crafting a robust defensive unit that can withstand the pressure from the top offensive teams in the tournament.
Forwards
Mika Zibanejad (age 30) – New York Rangers
William Forsberg (age 28) – Nashville Predators
Elias Lindholm (age 28) – Calgary Flames
Mikael Backlund (age 34) – Calgary Flames
André Burakovsky (age 28) – Seattle Kraken
Rickard Rakell (age 30) – Pittsburgh Penguins
Leo Carlsson (age 19) – Anaheim Ducks
William Eklund (age 22) – San Jose Sharks
COMMENT: Sweden’s forward lineup is packed with talent, ranging from seasoned veterans to rising stars. Zibanejad and Forsberg bring a wealth of experience and goal-scoring ability, while young talents like Leo Carlsson and William Eklund inject speed and skill into the lineup. The battle for the final forward spots will be intense, with Backlund’s experience and Burakovsky’s flair adding to the mix. The combination of age and agility could very well determine Sweden’s offensive success, making the forward roster one of the most exciting aspects of Tre Kronor’s squad.
as Tre Kronor gears up for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the blend of experience, youth, and sheer talent illustrates their potential to perform at the highest level. The anticipation surrounding this tournament is palpable, and with their skillful roster, Sweden is certainly one of the teams to watch.
So, hockey fans, prepare yourselves for an exhilarating display of athleticism and teamwork as Tre Kronor aims to reclaim glory on the international stage, competing fiercely against their rivals in a tournament that promises to ignite the passion for hockey in every corner of the arena!