Swedish national team updates roster ahead of NHL tournament
The Swedish national team has updated its roster ahead of an NHL tournament, adding Samuel Ersson and addressing injuries to notable players like Jacob Markstrom and Karlsson. Practices begin Monday.
Swedish national team coach Sam Hallam announced the roster update on Tuesday, adding Philadelphia's Samuel Ersson as a replacement for injured New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Rakell, 31, leads his NHL club with 23 goals and ranks second with 45 points in 53 games this season. Meanwhile, Karlsson is listed as week to week due to a lower-body injury.
"'Raks' has just quietly had a really strong season," said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who will also coach the U.S. team. "He's playing the game the right way on both sides of the puck. He has a hardness to his game, is stiff on the puck, physical, and willing to block shots. The offensive side, everybody sees, but he's committed to the subtleties that contribute to winning. We couldn't be happier for him, and we think he's so deserving."
Finland, Sweden's top international rival, has also made recent changes, replacing Miro Heiskanen after his knee surgery and ruling out Jani Hakanpaa. Stars coach Peter DeBoer indicated Heiskanen is now considered month to month.
"He's not playing tonight," said Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason about Werenski in Buffalo. "We'll continue to evaluate as we do with everyone who's hurt. We'll evaluate it and move forward."
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet revealed that Hughes "wanted to gut it out but it wasn't the smartest play." Consequently, Hughes was out Tuesday night against Colorado.
Canada is still in need of a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo, who withdrew due to an ailment. Drew Doughty, a two-time Cup winner and part of Canada's Sochi team, is among the candidates, although he has only returned recently from a broken left ankle.
Practices for the NHL-run tournament will commence on Monday, with game action set for Wednesday, February 12, Thursday, February 13, and Saturday, February 15, in Montreal. The tournament will conclude in Boston. The 4 Nations replaces the All-Star Weekend and serves as a streamlined version of the World Cup of Hockey ahead of the 2026 Milan Olympics.
