The conclusion is that hockey as a sport is thriving around the world
If Russia is allowed to play (they are currently only banned through 2025), they are one of the 12 teams set to make it along with the other five listed here (USA, Canada, Czechia, Finland, & Sweden).
Italy, Switzerland, and Germany have all locked in their spot as well. Italy is the host country while the Swiss and Germans have earned it. Three more teams will earn their chance to play on the world stage.
For Switzerland, you can expect some big names like Nico Hischier, Roman Josi, and Timo Meier amongst others. They will be a great team.
Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider are two very good NHL players expected to be on that team. They might not be deep enough to compete with the big teams yet but they will be hard to play against as they've shown in recent world hockey events.
Around the world, more and more countries are picking up the game and producing talent. That is evidenced by all of the great players listed for these countries.
We will have a small sneak peek in 2025 when the NHL hosts the "Four Nations Faceoff". Only the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland will be involved with that one so it isn't a true world tournament but it will be wildly entertaining regardless. Until the Olympics in 2026, that will do.