2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Sweden’s Roster Announced

Team Sweden is poised for a strong performance in the upcoming tournament, with a roster filled with talent and depth. Key players like William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Victor Hedman from the Tampa Bay Lightning highlight the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities. Nylander’s scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a significant threat, while Hedman’s experience and defensive prowess provide stability on the blue line. With a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent, Sweden’s balanced lineup makes them a formidable contender. Their reliable goaltending trio, including Linus Ullmark and Jacob Markstrom, further strengthens their chances.

Coaching Staff

Roster

Team Sweden

Forwards: Filip Forsberg, William Nylander, Mika Zibanejad, Viktor Arvidsson, Jesper Bratt, Leo Carlsson, Joel Eriksson Ek, William Karlsson, Adrian Kempe, Elias Lindholm, Gustav Nyquist, Elias Pettersson, Lucas Raymond
Defensemen: Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, Gustav Forsling, Rasmus Andersson, Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Ekholm, Jonas Brodin
Goalies: Filip Gustavsson, Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark

Here are the players from Team Sweden, organized alphabetically by their NHL teams with additional details about how they may impact the team in the 4 Nations tournament:

Anaheim Ducks

Leo Carlsson has been included in Team Sweden’s roster following his outstanding performance, which includes six goals and ten assists that highlight his offensive creativity. His knack for creating scoring chances will be vital in closely contested matches that Team Sweden may face in this tournament. With his speed and agility, Carlsson poses a continuous threat on the ice, and his keen vision enables him to assist his teammates effectively, making him an invaluable asset for Sweden in the tournament. Carlsson is currently dealing with an upper-body injury and has missed several game

Boston Bruins

Elias Lindholm has secured his place on Team Sweden’s roster due to his outstanding two-way performance during the 2024-25 season, where he has tallied three goals and ten assists in 28 games. His experience and adaptability are essential, enabling him to make significant contributions in both offensive and defensive capacities. Known for his faceoff expertise and ability to thrive in diverse scenarios, Lindholm is a vital player during high-pressure situations, offering the team both stability and dependability.

Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin, with six goals and 13 assists in the 2024-25 season, is a dynamic defenseman who can contribute offensively while maintaining solid defensive play. His ability to control the game from the blue line will be a key asset. Dahlin’s skating and puck-handling skills allow him to transition the play quickly, and his vision helps in quarterbacking the power play. His +4 rating further highlights his reliability on the ice. Andersson is known for his physical style of play, which adds an important dimension to his game. His willingness to engage physically with opponents and his adept shot-blocking skills further enhance his presence in the defensive zone, making him a formidable defender. By excelling in these areas, Andersson not only fortifies the defense but also instills a sense of confidence in his teammates, proving himself to be a well-rounded asset to the team.

Calgary Flames

Rasmus Andersson, with six goals and nine assists in the 2024-25 season, demonstrates his offensive capabilities. His +2 rating highlights his reliability in defense, making him a well-rounded player for Sweden’s blue line. Andersson’s physicality and shot-blocking ability make him a dependable presence in the defensive zone. His physical style of play adds another layer to his game, making him a formidable presence on the ice. His shot-blocking skills are particularly noteworthy, reflecting his commitment to protecting his team and thwarting opposing offenses. This combination of offensive talent and defensive acumen solidifies his role as an essential player for both his club and the national team.

Detroit Red Wings

Lucas Raymond has emerged as a formidable offensive threat during the 2024-25 season, showcasing an impressive tally of nine goals and 18 assists. His remarkable speed combined with exceptional playmaking abilities contributes significantly to the depth of Sweden’s forward lines, making him an invaluable asset for the team. Raymond’s creativity on the ice allows him to navigate through defenses and find open spaces, which makes him a constant danger in the offensive zone. It is essential to recognize that his overall impact on the ice can shift the momentum of a game, and his contributions could prove vital to Sweden’s chances.

Edmonton Oilers

Viktor Arvidsson is set to make a notable impact on Team Sweden. As the 2024-25 season has unfolded, he has recorded two goals and three assists so far. While these statistics may seem modest initially, Arvidsson has an exceptional knack for scoring when it counts. His quick shot release enables him to get off shots in tight situations, allowing him to seize scoring opportunities as they come. Additionally, his sharp sense of positioning and anticipation on the ice further boosts his offensive contributions. Arvidsson emerges as a vital asset to Sweden’s lineup, bringing not only skill but also invaluable veteran leadership, especially in tournament scenarios. With his impressive track record and competitive drive, he is certainly a player to keep an eye on.

Mattias Ekholm, with three goals and eight assists in the 2024-25 season, provides stability and experience on defense. His +6 rating reflects his solid defensive play, which will be important in shutting down opposing forwards. His imposing presence allows him to win battles along the boards and in front of the net, while his keen ability to read the game enables him to anticipate plays and react accordingly. This duality in skill makes him an indispensable player for Team Sweden, as he consistently plays a vital role in maintaining defensive stability and ensuring that the team can effectively counter its opponents. Ekholm’s strengths include his physical presence and ability to read the game, making him a key player in maintaining defensive stability for Team Sweden

Florida Panthers

Gustav Forsling has recorded four goals and eight assists in 27 games this season, boasting an impressive +15 rating. His strong balance between offensive and defensive play, highlighted by these stats, makes him a vital player for Team Sweden. Forsling’s ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, along with his consistent performance, will be crucial for the team’s success. His effectiveness in generating scoring opportunities and shutting down the opposition’s attacks ensures that Sweden can rely on him in various situations. Forsling’s well-rounded game, balancing offensive contributions with solid defensive play, is essential for Sweden’s dynamics in the 4 Nations Tournament.

Los Angeles Kings

Adrian Kempe, with 12 goals and 12 assists in the 2024-25 season, is a key offensive player for Team Sweden. His +11 rating indicates his effectiveness in both scoring and defensive responsibilities, adding depth to Sweden’s attack. Kempe’s ability to contribute on both ends of the ice makes him a valuable asset, providing the team with versatility and reliability in various game situations.

Minnesota Wild

In the 2024-25 season, Joel Eriksson Ek has made a significant impact on the ice, tallying an impressive 5 goals and providing eight assists across 22 games played, all while maintaining a commendable +10 rating. These statistics not only reflect his ability to find the back of the net but also illustrate his well-rounded skill set that encompasses both physicality and finesse. As a forward, Eriksson Ek’s contributions will be invaluable for Sweden’s roster, as he offers a dual-threat capability that combines offensive prowess with defensive dependability. His presence on the ice is expected to bolster Sweden’s forward group, enhancing their ability to generate scoring opportunities while simultaneously ensuring a reliable defensive effort. Eriksson Ek did recently aggravate an injury on December 3rd and his status is currently uncertain.

Turning to the goaltending position, Filip Gustavsson has emerged as a cornerstone for Sweden in this season, achieving 12 wins along with a remarkable 2.04 goals against average (GAA) and an impressive .929 save percentage (SV%). Over the course of 19 games, his consistent and dependable performance in the net has proven essential, especially in tightly contested matchups. Gustavsson’s ability to maintain composure and make critical saves under pressure will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Sweden’s success throughout the tournament. His stellar goaltending not only provides a safety net for the defense but also instills confidence in his teammates, allowing them to play with greater assurance.

Jonas Brodin, meanwhile, has been a steady force on the blue line during the 2024-25 season. He has recorded two goals and six assists in 19 games, complemented by a solid +7 rating. These figures underscore his reliability and consistent performance in a defensive role. Brodin’s ability to maintain this will be paramount for Sweden’s strategy, as he will be tasked with neutralizing opposing threats while contributing to offensive plays when opportunities arise. His experience and steady presence make him a key player for Sweden, particularly in high-pressure situations where defensive integrity is essential.

Nashville Predators

Filip Forsberg is a valuable asset to Team Sweden, bringing his NHL experience to the international stage. Playing for the Nashville Predators, Forsberg has demonstrated his offensive prowess with 9 goals and 8 assists in the 2024-25 season, totaling 17 points over 27 games. Despite a -11 rating, his ability to score and create opportunities remains crucial. Forsberg’s extensive experience in the NHL enhances his playmaking skills and leadership, making him an indispensable part of Sweden’s roster

Gustav Nyquist is another key player for Team Sweden. Playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nyquist has recorded six goals and four assists in the 2024-25 season, contributing 10 points over 27 games. His playmaking skills and experience add depth to Sweden’s forward lines. Nyquist’s ability to generate offense and his seasoned presence on the ice will be instrumental in creating scoring opportunities and driving Sweden’s success in the tournament.

New Jersey Devils

Jesper Bratt has recorded 12 goals and 23 assists so far in the 2024-25 season, amassing 35 points over 28 games with a +5 rating. His offensive contributions, speed, and creativity are crucial for Sweden’s attack. Bratt’s ability to generate scoring opportunities and his dynamic play make him an essential asset in driving Sweden’s success.

Jacob Markstrom has been showcasing his goaltending skills in the 2024-25 season with the Calgary Flames. He has achieved 12 wins in 19 games, with a 2.54 goals-against average (GAA) and a .907 save percentage (SV%). His experience and reliability in net will be vital for Sweden’s defensive efforts. Markstrom’s performance will be crucial in providing stability and confidence to the team’s overall defense, making him an indispensable asset for Sweden’s success.

New York Rangers

Mika Zibanejad has recorded five goals and 13 assists in the 2024-25 season, totaling 18 points over 24 games with a -14 rating. Zibanejad’s contributions on the ice, both in terms of goals and assists, make him may help drive Sweden throughout the tournament. Zibanejad’s point production has decreased compared to previous season,, and his plus-minus rating has dropped significantly. However, his experience and leadership remain valuable assets for Team Sweden. Zibanejad has represented Sweden in various international competitions, including the 2018 IIHF World Championship, where he helped the team win the gold medal.

Ottawa Senators

Linus Ullmark will be an integral player for Team Sweden. During the 2024-25 season with the Ottawa Senators, Ullmark has achieved 6 wins in 16 games, along with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.93 and a save percentage (SV%) of .891. His reliability and experience in the net play a vital role in Sweden’s defensive strategy. Ullmark’s performance will be crucial in providing the team with both stability and confidence, making him an invaluable asset for Sweden’s success.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Erik Karlsson, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has recorded two goals and 14 assists, totaling 16 points over 27 games. His ability to contribute offensively as a defenseman could be helpful for Sweden, especially when he is generating scoring opportunities from the back end. In the 2024 IIHF World Championship, Karlsson also made a notable impact, contributing to Sweden’s efforts with his defensive play and offensive contributions.

However, Karlsson has faced some challenges this season, raising concerns among critics. Despite his offensive skills, his defensive play has been under scrutiny. Criticized has been Karlsson’s defensive shortcomings, which could be problematic in high-stakes international tournaments. Additionally, some have expressed concerns about his overall performance noting that his defensive lapses and high number of giveaways have impacted the team’s performance. Addressing these defensive issues will be crucial for both the Penguins and Team Sweden.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman will likely be the cornerstone of Sweden’s defense, showcasing his skills in the 2024-25 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has recorded four goals and 20 assists, totaling 24 points over 24 games with a +5 rating. Hedman’s experience and ability to play in all situations, along with his offensive contributions from the blue line and his defensive reliability, will be vital.

Toronto Maple Leafs

William Nylander, currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL, has been a standout performer this season, tallying 16 goals and 11 assists with a +27 rating over 25 games. His exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills will make him one of Sweden’s top offensive threats. Nylander’s contributions will be pivotal for Sweden’s success in the tournament. He has faced criticism at times for occasional lapses in discipline, such as a recent cross-check incident on November 29th but the NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit and there was no supplemental discipline ruling for him.

Vancouver Canucks

Elias Pettersson, currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL, has been a key player this season, recording seven goals and 16 assists with a +2 rating over 24 games. His offensive talent and ability to generate scoring opportunities will be helpful for Sweden’s forward lines. Pettersson not only contributes to scoring but also plays a significant role in maintaining a strong team dynamic on the ice. His exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset for Sweden’s forward lines as they look to compete at a high level in international play. Given his ongoing performance, Pettersson’s presence is sure to bolster the team’s offensive strategy and enhance their chances of success.

Vegas Golden Knights

William Karlsson, currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, has been instrumental, notching 5 goals and 7 assists while maintaining a +5 rating across 18 games. His experience and adaptability enhance Sweden’s forward lineup, making him an asset in diverse game scenarios. Karlsson also played a key role in Sweden’s gold medal win at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded one goal and two assists in 10 games. His experience and consistent performance in these tournaments highlight his ability to contribute effectively on the international stage.

Team Sweden Outlook:

Based on the roster, Team Sweden looks certainly remains a strong contender for the upcoming tournament. Here’s a breakdown of what we might see out of this team:

Strengths:

1. Depth and Talent: The roster is filled with skilled players across all positions. The forward group includes dynamic scorers like Filip Forsberg, William Nylander, and Elias Pettersson.
2. Defensive Pairings: The defense is anchored by elite players such as Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson, with strong support from Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Ekholm. This combination of offensive and defensive prowess makes their blue line formidable.
3. Goaltending: With goalies like Linus Ullmark, Jacob Markstrom, and Filip Gustavsson, Sweden has a reliable and experienced goaltending trio.

Potential Weaknesses:

1. Intangibles: While Victor Hedman is a clear leader, the team might lack the same level of championship experience as some other top teams. This could be a factor in high-pressure situations.
2. Consistency: The team has a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, which could lead to inconsistencies in performance. Maintaining a high level of play throughout the tournament will be crucial.

Overall Outlook:

Team Sweden has a well-rounded roster, making them a formidable opponent in the tournament. Their depth, strong defensive pairings, and goaltending provide a strong foundation. While there may be some concerns about consistency, the overall talent and balance of the team make them a contender.

Sweden is considered one of the “Big Six” in international hockey, consistently performing well in major tournaments. They have won gold at the World Championships 11 times, with victories in 1953, 1957, 1962, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 2006, 2013, and most recently in 2018. In the Olympics, Sweden has claimed gold twice, in 1994 and 2006. Despite their historical success, Sweden faced a setback in 2021 when they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since the playoff system was implemented, finishing 9th.

Forwards: Sweden’s forwards, led by William Nylander and Elias Pettersson, offer a lot of speed and scoring depth. Players like Mika Zibanejad and Filip Forsberg add experience and skill, making the forward group versatile and dangerous.

Defensemen: Sweden’s defense, with Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin, is dynamic and experienced. Erik Karlsson and Gustav Forsling provide both offensive and defensive prowess, making the blue line one of the strongest in the tournament.

Goalies: Sweden’s goalies, including Filip Gustavsson and Jacob Markstrom, are experienced and capable. Linus Ullmark adds depth, making the goaltending position a strong point for the team.

Overall, Team Sweden has a well-rounded roster with a mix of experience, skill, and depth, making them a strong contender. However, the United States, Canada, and Finland also have formidable teams, each roster with their own strengths, making the 4 Nations Face-Off an exciting and competitive tournament.