Defensemen<\/p>\n
Victor Hedman<\/a> — Rasmus Dahlin<\/a><\/p>\n Gustav Forsling<\/a> — Erik Karlsson<\/a><\/p>\n Jonas Brodin<\/a> — Rasmus Andersson<\/a><\/p>\n Oliver Ekman-Larsson<\/a><\/p>\n Philip Broberg<\/a><\/p>\n Defense is probably Sweden’s strongest position, but having only two right-handed shots — Karlsson (Penguins) and Andersson (Calgary Flames) — means at least one lefty will have to play on his off side. Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres) plays regularly on the right side of the Sabres’ top pair, so slotting him next to Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) on Sweden’s top pair is an easy decision. Hedman, a six-time finalist for the Norris Trophy given to the top defenseman in the NHL six times who won it in 2018, is recovering from elbow surgery but is expected to be back in time for the Olympics and could reprise his 4 Nations role as Sweden’s captain. Playing with Forsling (Florida Panthers), a Stanley Cup winner the past two seasons, at 4 Nations brought out the best in Karlsson, a three-time Norris winner (2012, 2015, 2023), so keeping that pair together makes sense. Brodin (Wild) and Andersson have potential to be a balanced third pair. Ekman-Larsson (Maple Leafs) also has experience playing on the right side, so he’s another option to do it in Milan if needed.<\/p>\n Goalies<\/p>\n