Team Sweden put in a full practice session in Milan on Monday. In Tre Kronor’s opening Group B game at the 2026 Olympics, the Swedes oppose host nation Italy on Wednesday. Overall, it’s one of the tougher preliminary round pools in the tournament. Team Sweden plays arch-rival Finland on Friday and then Slovakia on Feb. 14.
The absence of Anaheim Ducks standout Leo Carlsson (thigh injury) hurts the top end of the Tre Kronor lineup. The Swedes have depth and talent but some of the big names, such Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks), have not been at their best during the NHL season to date. On the blueline, steady Minnesota Wild veteran Jonas Brodin is unavailable with a lower-body injury. Brodin underwent surgery in late January.
Potential opening game lineup
Team Sweden closed its Monday practice to the media. So did Canada. The reported reason: inadequate facilities to accommodate media at the practice rink adjacent to Santagiulia Arena. Based on the team’ s previous practice, these are possible combos in the opening game.
Adrian Kempe – Joel Eriksson Ek – William Nylander
Jesper Bratt or Filip Forsberg – Elias Lindholm – Lucas Raymond
Elias Pettersson – Mika Zibanejad – Rickard Rakell
Gabriel Landeskog – Pontus Holmberg – Alexander Wennberg
(13th forward or scratched) Marcus Johansson
Gustav Forsling – Rasmus Dahlin
Victor Hedman – Rasmus Andersson
Philip Broberg – Erik Karlsson
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Hampus Lindholm
Filip Gustavsson
Jacob Markstrom
Jesper Wallstedt
Tre Kronor coach Sam Hallam said he will open upcoming practices to the media. He said that he wanted one day to work on special teams and systems without information leaking to opposing teams.
Bill,
Tack för uppdateringen. Mina två öre blir att vi tar hem hela turneringen, obesegrade. EP blir poängkung och EK blir MVP. Tack för ditt stöd!
Tall order — not impossible, though. Lots of talent on the roster.
Haha, you’re correct, enjoy the tournament! Cheers