A new mini-World Cup in ice hockey is to be played next year.
Now, Tre Kronor has presented its six first NHL players – and it's going to be really star-studded.
It feels incredibly fun, says Tre Kronor's national team manager and general manager Anders Lundberg.
Three defenders and three forwards have been presented in the first stage. Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, and the newly crowned Stanley Cup champion Gustav Forsling on defense. And on the forward side, William Nylander, Mika Zibanejad, and Filip Forsberg.
They are incredibly skilled players and fantastic ambassadors for Swedish ice hockey. So it feels really exciting, says Lundberg.
Has it been a given for the players to want to participate?
In the dialogue we've had, they're really looking forward to this tournament, says Lundberg.
"Fills a great function"
The new four-nation tournament is arranged by NHL and will be played in February next year. For the first time since the World Championship 2016, a tournament where all countries' NHL pros can participate will take place.
Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the USA will play a group stage, where the two best teams will then advance to a final. The tournament will be played in Montreal and Boston, and only players with NHL contracts are allowed to participate.
From a Swedish perspective, one looks positively on the new tournament:
I think this tournament fills a great function. It's a good starting point for everything else that's coming. We're really happy about the tournament, says Lundberg.
It has already been clear that NHL players will participate in the Olympics in Milan 2026. In May 2025, Sweden will also, together with Denmark, host the World Championship.
"Very many positive effects"
The four-nation tournament is therefore seen as an important part of the build-up to this.
I think the four-nation tournament fills a very good role for us ahead of the home World Championship. For the interest in Tre Kronor and for the coaching staff to get to know players who are clearly relevant for the World Championship as well.
There are very many positive effects of this tournament, says Lundberg.
Selected Florida defender Gustav Forsling holds Sweden as favorites.
It's going to be a tough tournament, but I like our chances honestly. We have a mix of everything. But all teams will challenge to win, says Forsling.
There are so many talented players in this team, I'm looking forward to playing.
The rest of the Swedish squad will be presented at the end of November.
Karl Sundström/TT
Facts: The new four-nation tournament
Played in Montreal and Boston.
Starts on the night of February 13 and ends on the night of February 21.
Four nations participate: Sweden, Finland, Canada, USA.
Sweden's group stage matches:
Night of February 13: Canada-Sweden (Montreal).
February 15: Finland-Sweden (Montreal).
Night of February 18: Sweden-USA (Boston).
Final: Night of February 21 (Boston).
Cleared Swedish players:
Defenders: Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay. Gustav Forsling, Florida.
Forwards: Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers. William Nylander, Toronto. Filip Forsberg, Nashville.
Finland:
Goalkeeper: Juuse Saros, Nashville.
Defenders: Miro Heiskanen, Dallas, Esa Lindell, Dallas.
Forwards: Sebastian Aho, Carolina, Aleksander Barkov, Florida, Mikko Rantanen, Colorado.
Canada:
Defenders: Cale Makar, Colorado.
Forwards: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh, Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado, Brad Marchand, Boston, Connor McDavid, Edmonton, Brayden Point, Tampa Bay.
USA:
Defenders: Adam Fox, New York Rangers, Quinne Hughes, Vancouver, Charlie McAvoy, Boston.
Forwards: Jack Eichel, Vegas, Auston Matthews, Toronto, Matthew Tkachuk, Florida.
