2026 Olympic Hockey: Sweden, Finland Reveal Rosters, Anticipate Snubs and Surprises

As the excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Sweden and Finland have announced their men’s hockey rosters, sparking significant discussions about potential snubs and surprises. The event is scheduled for February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy.

Sweden’s Hockey Roster: Key Highlights and Snubs

Sweden ranks as one of the leading non-North American contenders. However, some notable absences from the roster have raised eyebrows.

• Mattias Ekholm: The experienced defenseman did not make the cut despite his long tenure with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators. At age 35, injuries have taken their toll.
• Hampus Lindholm: The Boston Bruins defenseman also faced exclusion. His injury challenges have hindered his selection.
• Simon Edvinsson: The 22-year-old’s strong performance as a first-pair defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings raised expectations for his inclusion.
• Emil Heineman: With 12 goals for the New York Islanders, he was a key forward that some expected to see on the roster.
• William Eklund: His impressive pace of 23 goals and 60 points for the San Jose Sharks makes his absence particularly noticeable.

Surprisingly, Sweden included defenseman Philip Broberg, a choice that may lead to ongoing debates given the talent omitted in favor of his selection. Additionally, Pontus Holmberg earned a spot as a bottom-six forward, likely due to his previous Olympic experience.

Sweden’s Roster Overview

Sweden is fielding a strong team, particularly on defense and among talented forwards like William Nylander and Lucas Raymond. Expectations are high for a podium finish, with a strong chance at gold.

Finland’s Hockey Roster: Analyzing Selections and Omissions

Similar to Sweden, Finland revealed its roster with various noteworthy omissions that sparked conversations within the hockey community.

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi: The Carolina Hurricanes forward was left off due to a decline in performance and injuries.
• Mattias Maccelli: With a strong 2023-24 season with the Arizona Coyotes, many felt he deserved a chance over Kotkaniemi.
• Urho Vaakanainen: The New York Rangers defenseman, who has struggled for ice time, did not secure a roster spot despite being a former draft pick.

The selection of Mikko Lehtonen, an experienced player from the Zurich Lions, over Vaakanainen adds depth and experience, given Lehtonen’s previous Olympic success.

Finland’s Roster Expectations

Finland boasts a wealth of talents, including stars like Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho. However, the loss of Aleksander Barkov due to injury creates a significant void. Despite this setback, they aim for a credible performance, with a medal being an optimistic target.

Upcoming Matches for Sweden and Finland

With the Olympic Games fast approaching, the world watches as Sweden and Finland prepare for their respective campaigns, ready to showcase their skills on the global stage.