Sweden Strengthens Olympic Hockey Squad with NHL Veterans
In a significant roster update ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Team Sweden has announced the inclusion of two prominent NHL players, forward Marcus Johansson and defenseman Hampus Lindholm. This move, confirmed by the NHL on Tuesday, aims to bolster Sweden's quest for their first men's hockey gold medal since 2006.
Roster Changes and Player Replacements
The Swedish Ice Hockey Association revealed that Johansson, currently playing for the Minnesota Wild, and Lindholm, a key defenseman for the Boston Bruins, will step in to replace injured center Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks and Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin. Carlsson is recovering from thigh surgery performed on January 16, with an expected absence of three to five weeks, while Brodin is sidelined with a lower-body injury, having last played on January 12 and listed as week-to-week.
Marcus Johansson's Impressive Career and Stats
Marcus Johansson, a 35-year-old forward, brings a wealth of experience to the Swedish team. This will mark his second Olympic appearance, having previously won a silver medal in Sochi, Russia, in 2014. His recent performance with the Minnesota Wild has been noteworthy, scoring 13 goals and accumulating 34 points over 48 games. Johansson's international accolades include a silver medal at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, bronze at the 2010 WJC, and recent bronze medals at the World Championships in 2024 and 2025.
Reacting to the selection, Wild coach John Hynes expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Really excited. I think that's great news. I know that he played really, really well in the World Championships last year for Sweden, and obviously this year for us." Johansson was recently honored by the Wild for reaching 1,000 NHL games, highlighting his enduring career.
Hampus Lindholm's Debut and Contributions
For Hampus Lindholm, this Olympic call-up represents his first opportunity to represent Sweden at the Games. The 32-year-old defenseman has been a consistent performer for the Boston Bruins, recording three goals and 16 points this season while averaging 22:04 minutes of ice time per game. Lindholm's international resume includes a gold medal at the 2018 World Championship and a silver at the 2012 WJC Under-18 event.
Sweden's Olympic Campaign and Schedule
Sweden's men's hockey team is set to open their Olympic tournament against host Team Italy on February 11, 2026, following the NHL Olympic break that begins on February 6. The team's addition of Johansson and Lindholm is seen as a strategic move to enhance their chances in a competitive field, as they seek to end a gold medal drought that has persisted since their last triumph in 2006.
This roster adjustment underscores Sweden's commitment to fielding a strong team, leveraging the experience and skill of NHL veterans to navigate the challenges of international competition. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as these players integrate into the squad ahead of the highly anticipated Winter Games.
