2016 World Juniors Preview: Rosters, Predictions, & Analysis
By Ryan Ritchie
Sweden (Coach: Rikard Gronborg) – 3rd Group A
Goaltenders:
Erik Kallgren, Linkopings HC – Arizona Coyotes
Felix Sandstrom, Brynas Gavle – Philadelphia Flyers
Linus Soderstrom, Djurgarden Stockholm – New York Islanders
Defensemen:
Gabriel Carlsson, Linkopings HC – Columbus Blue Jackets
Andreas Englund, Djurgarden Stockholm – Ottawa Senators
Gustav Forsling, Linkopings HC – Chicago Blackhawks
William Lagesson, UMass Amherst (NCAA) – Edmonton Oilers
Jacob Larsson, Frolunda Goteborg – Anaheim Ducks
Adam Ollas-Mattsson, Djurgarden Stockholm – Calgary Flames
Marcus Pettersson, Skelleftea AIK – Anaheim Ducks
Forwards:
Rasmus Asplund, Farjestad Karlstad – 2016 Draft Eligible
Christoffer Ehn, Frolunda Gothenburg – Detroit Red Wings
Joel Eriksson Ek, Farjestad Karlstad – Minnesota Wild
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Boston University (NCAA) – Boston Bruins
Carl Grundstrom, MODO Ornskoldsvik – 2016 Draft Eligible
Axel Holmstrom, Skelleftea AIK – Detroit Red Wings
Anton Karlsson, Frolunda Gothenburg – Arizona Coyotes
Adrian Kempe, Ontario Reign (AHL) – Los Angeles Kings
Oskar Lindblom, Brynas Gavle – Philadelphia Flyers
Jens Looke, Brynas Gavle – Arizona Coyotes
Alexander Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – 2016 Draft Eligible
William Nylander, Toronto Marlies (AHL) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Fredrik Olofsson, Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA) – Chicago Blackhawks
Dmytro Timashov, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Lukas Vejdemo, Djurgarden Stockholm – Montreal Canadiens
The Swedes go into the World Juniors as a top contender to compete for the gold. They rank as favorites in Group B slightly ahead of Finland. Sweden is loaded with high-end talent up front, and on the back-end.
One of Linus Soderstrom or Felix Sandstrom are likely to emerge as Sweden’s starter in goal. Top prospect talent on the back-end includes Gabriel Carlsson, Gustav Forsling, Jacob Larsson, and Marcus Pettersson. Blue Jackets fans should keep a close eye on Carlsson, who can play an effective shutdown role, something Columbus is currently lacking on the blueline. Gustav Forsling is likely to lead the Swedes offensively on the blueline.
Up front, a pair of brothers, Alex and William Nylander, lead a cast of talented forwards that include Joel Eriksson Ek, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Axel Holmstrom, Adrian Kempe, Oskar Lindblom, and Dmytro Timashov. Leafs prospect Timashov is emerging as an excellent late-round steal by Toronto in 2015. He was highly noticeable at last season’s Memorial Cup, and started 2015-16 off strong in the QMJHL. Sweden likes to use him on the point during powerplays because of his effectively strong shot.
Both William Nylander and Adrian Kempe are entering their first year of pro-hockey in 2015-16, joining their respective pro team’s AHL affiliates. Nylander quickly emerged as the AHL’s top scorer, a feat not usually met by 19-year-old’s. Kings prospect Adrian Kempe is a more well-rounded talent, playing a more responsible game in all three zones, and is well-known as a strong skater. For those interested in getting a look at top-end Draft Lottery talent for next summer, keep an eye on William’s younger brother, Alex Nylander.