Sweden Reveals 2026 Winter Olympics Team with Ekman-Larsson, Wallstedt

Sweden has officially revealed its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milano Cortina. The team aims to secure its first Olympic gold medal since the 2006 Turin Games. This announcement was made public on Friday, featuring a roster that bears similarities to the squad that participated in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off.

Key Additions and Changes to the Roster

Several notable players have been added to the forward line. Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche, Pontus Holmberg of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks are joining the team. However, Viktor Arvidsson (Boston Bruins) and Gustav Nyquist (Winnipeg Jets), who participated in the 4 Nations tournament, have not made the final cut.

Coaching Insights

Sweden’s head coach, Sam Hallam, praised the new forwards. He highlighted Holmberg and Wennberg as exceptionally skilled skaters capable of playing both center and forward positions. Hallam remarked on Holmberg’s impressive physical game, particularly his development in Tampa Bay, while noting Wennberg’s consistent performance and tactical intelligence.

Defensive Lineup

The defense includes Philip Broberg from the St. Louis Blues and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mattias Ekholm of the Edmonton Oilers, a participant in the 4 Nations, has been left off the roster. Although Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman has been named to the preliminary roster, he is currently recovering from elbow surgery. Hallam expressed confidence in Hedman’s potential return, indicating that the team is monitoring his recovery closely.

Goalkeeping Duo

In goal, Jesper Wallstedt from the Minnesota Wild has been selected, alongside Linus Ullmark, who will not be part of the team. Coach Hallam is optimistic about Wallstedt’s rapid rise in performance this season, emphasizing the benefits of having familiarity between goalies, which aids in their preparation.

Olympic Experience and Expectations

This iteration of Team Sweden marks the first time NHL players will participate in the Olympics since 2014. Erik Karlsson, a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins and silver medalist from the 2014 Sochi Olympics, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. He acknowledged the honor of representing Sweden and highlighted the anticipation surrounding the upcoming competition.

Olympic Tournament Format

The tournament will feature 12 teams competing in a round-robin format. Each team will play three preliminary games within their respective groups. The group winners, along with the best second-place team, will advance directly to the quarterfinals. The other eight teams will engage in single-elimination matches to secure the four remaining quarterfinal spots. The gold medal match is scheduled for February 22.

Upcoming Matches

Team Sweden, placed in Group B, will kick off its Olympic journey against Team Italy on February 11. Subsequent matches include fixtures against Team Finland on February 13 and Team Slovakia on February 14.

Team Sweden Roster for 2026 Winter Olympics

This roster showcases Sweden’s commitment to reclaiming its status on the Olympic stage as they aim for a triumphant return to gold medal glory.