With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, the spotlight is understandably fixed on the heavyweights - Team USA and Team Canada. Their rivalry has already hit a fever pitch after Canada edged out the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off with a dramatic last-second goal.
But while those two dominate the headlines, don’t sleep on Team Sweden. They’ve just made a couple of key roster moves that could shake up the tournament.
In response to a pair of untimely injuries, Sweden has added NHL veterans Marcus Johansson and Hampus Lindholm to their Olympic roster. These aren’t just depth pieces - they’re proven contributors at the highest level, and their presence could give Sweden the boost it needs to contend with the North American giants.
Johansson, currently skating for the Minnesota Wild, is no stranger to the Olympic stage. He was part of Sweden’s silver-medal squad in Sochi back in 2014.
Now, 12 years later, he’s back in the mix, bringing with him a wealth of international experience and a solid NHL season under his belt - 34 points so far, including 13 goals. His head coach in Minnesota, John Hynes, was quick to praise the move, pointing out Johansson’s strong showing at last year’s World Championship and his reliable play this season.
For a team that values structure and two-way responsibility, Johansson fits like a glove.
Lindholm, on the other hand, will be making his Olympic debut. The Boston Bruins defenseman has quietly put together a steady campaign with 16 points in 39 games.
He’s a smooth-skating, positionally sound blueliner who can log big minutes and move the puck efficiently - exactly the kind of player Sweden loves to deploy in international tournaments. His addition helps shore up a back end that just took a couple of hits.
Those hits came in the form of injuries to two key players: Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin. Carlsson, the Anaheim Ducks’ dynamic young center, had been enjoying a breakout season with 44 points in 44 games.
But a left thigh injury required a procedure on January 16, sidelining him for several weeks and ruling him out for the Olympics. That’s a tough blow - Carlsson’s blend of size, skill, and scoring touch would’ve made him a valuable asset down the middle for Sweden.
Then there’s Brodin, one of the league’s most underrated defensemen, who’s been out since January 12 with a lower-body injury. He was listed as week-to-week, but the timeline didn’t align with Sweden’s Olympic needs.
Brodin has never suited up for Sweden in the Olympics, though he did represent them at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. With 15 points on the year, he was playing solid hockey before the injury.
So, where does this leave Sweden? They’re still in the mix - no question.
The team has depth, structure, and now a bit more veteran savvy with Johansson and Lindholm stepping in. But make no mistake: the road to gold still runs through Team USA and Team Canada.
The Americans are trending upward, riding a wave of momentum and youthful talent that’s starting to gel at the right time. Canada, as always, brings a roster loaded with elite skill and big-game experience.
Still, tournaments like this have a way of producing surprises. And with a few timely reinforcements, Sweden might just have enough to make things interesting.