Sweden's Olympic men's hockey roster just got a significant update as two seasoned NHL veterans are stepping in to fill key gaps caused by injury. Forward Marcus Johansson and defenseman Hampus Lindholm have officially been named to the team heading to Milan, replacing Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin, who were ruled out due to injuries.
Let’s start with Johansson. At 35, he’s not new to the international stage-or the NHL grind.
This season, he’s put together a solid campaign with the Minnesota Wild, tallying 13 goals and 34 points over 48 games. He’s the kind of versatile forward who can slide up and down the lineup, bring leadership to the locker room, and still produce offensively.
For a Swedish team that’s looking to blend youth and experience, Johansson offers a steady hand and a scoring touch.
On the blue line, Lindholm brings a different kind of value. While his offensive numbers-three goals and 16 points-might not jump off the page, his impact for the Boston Bruins goes far beyond the stat sheet.
Logging over 22 minutes a night, Lindholm is a workhorse defenseman who thrives in tough matchups and can be trusted in all situations. He’ll be expected to play a big role anchoring Sweden’s defensive core, especially with Brodin sidelined.
The injuries, while unfortunate, aren’t entirely unexpected at this point in the season. Carlsson, the promising young forward from the Anaheim Ducks, underwent thigh surgery on January 16 and is expected to be out for three to five weeks. Brodin, a key piece of the Wild’s defense, is dealing with a lower-body injury that will keep him from suiting up in Milan.
Sweden heads into the Olympic tournament looking to recapture the magic of 2006, when it last claimed gold. And while the loss of Carlsson and Brodin stings-both bring high-end talent and international pedigree-the additions of Johansson and Lindholm ensure the Tre Kronor aren’t lacking in experience or leadership.
Their Olympic journey begins on February 11 with a matchup against Italy. With roster changes now in place, Sweden will look to build chemistry quickly and make a serious push for the podium.