Sweden self -assured in ‘top class’ defense on the way to the opener against Canada

Victor Hedman is the anchor and arguably the most decorated member of Sweden’s defense. The 34-year-old is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay Lightning (2020, 2021), including winning Conn Smythe Trophy, who is awarded the most valuable player in Stanley Cup playoffs, in 2020. Hedman was also a finalist for Norris Trophy for six equal seasons (2016-17 to 2021-22) and won the award in 2017-18.

He pairs with Jonas Brodin, who has been a staple of Minnesota Wild since he debuted in the NHL in 2012-13.

“You have players who have won it all and are really in top-class players,” said Sweden goalkeeper Filip Gustavsson. “It will be great to have them in front of me, to be safe back there and know that they will be doing some good acting. It’s just an honor to play behind them there. “

Sweden’s second defense couple will include Gustav Forest, who won the Stanley Cup last season with Florida Panthers, who helped revive his career after claiming him from the exceptions of Carolina Hurricanes on January 9, 2021, and Rasmus Dahlin, chosen by Buffalo Sabres with the No. 1 election in 2018 NHL Draft.

Mattias Ekholm, who helped Edmonton Oilers move on to the Stanley Cup final last season, will be on the third defense couple with Erik Karlsson, who has won Norris Trophy three times (2011-12, 2014-15 and 2022-23).

“They have a lot of mobility and a lot of big guys who can defend. We look in and day out with the attention he has received for the past year and a half, two years really, ”said Canada tip Sam Reinhart, a Forslings teammate at Panthers.” It’s ramped up for him. He has so much speed, so many smarts. He has in my mind one of the best sticks in the league. We are excited about the opportunity to try to compete against him.

“They have a lot of veteran presence in there, so we are excited about the challenge.”