Sweden’s 2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Hockey roster is chock-full of superstars from the NHL. In 2014, the country took home Olympic silver in Sochi and is hopeful for gold this time around, especially with the reintroduction of NHL players to the Olympic Games. While the talent runs deep in this squad, three players stand out among the rest as ones who will be fun to watch and contribute in valuable ways.
William Nylander
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is an offensive weapon. Rarely does a game go by that he does not register at least a point, and in many games, he notches multiple. His abilities to create plays, skate circles around his opponents, and shoot and pass accurately are second to none. This season with the Maple Leafs, he has registered 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 games.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
He also has experience on international ice as he has played with Team Sweden nine times. He was part of the gold- and bronze-medal teams in the World Championships in 2017 and 2025, as well as a member of the 4 Nations Face-Off squad, among others.
Sweden knew they wanted Nylander and locked him down as part of their preliminary six members. A player with Nylander’s offensive abilities will be a force to be reckoned with as Sweden hopes to contend for the playoffs and, ultimately, a gold medal.
Rasmus Dahlin
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is the definition of a two-way player. Not only is he a talented blue liner with a keen ability to protect and defend the puck, but he is also a playmaker who puts himself right in the offensive action game after game. He’s a big guy — 6-foot-3, 204 pounds– and uses that to battle for the puck and deliver timely checks.
Dahlin has put up impressive offensive numbers this season, especially for a defender, with 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in 48 games this season. He is a playmaker who will do well alongside high-scoring Swedish teammates such as Nylander or Mika Zibanejad.
Defensively, Dahlin has blocked 63 shots this season and has registered 46 hits. He is also credited with 19 takeaways and was a top-10 contender for last season’s Norris Trophy. He, too, has experience with Team Sweden on their 2018 Olympic, World Junior Championship, World Championship, and 4 Nations teams. He will be one of the critical members of Sweden’s defense as they eagerly chase a gold medal.
Gabriel Landeskog
Gabriel Landeskog, a career member of the Colorado Avalanche, is no stranger to tough competition. He helped the team in their Stanley Cup victory in 2022, has been part of Sweden’s World Championship teams, and was part of their Olympic roster in 2014. After being out for nearly three years with a knee injury, he made a triumphant return this season and has begun working his way back up to the level at which he once played.
In 2021-22, his final season before the injury absence, he totaled 59 points in 51 games. This season, he has played 41 games, amassing 21 points (seven goals, 15 assists). He brings a veteran presence and leadership qualities, international play experience, and on-ice skills that have made him a mainstay for both Colorado and Swedish hockey for many years. He will be a valuable member of the team on and off the ice.
The Swedish Men’s team is in Group B, meaning they will be facing Slovakia, Finland, and Italy as they try to qualify for the playoffs. Their first game is against Italy on Feb. 11, with the tournament continuing through Feb. 15 before the playoffs begin.
