Sweden Announces World Junior Selection Camp Roster - The Hockey Writers -

Sweden has named the roster for their 2016 World Junior Selection camp.

They’ve invited 26 players to selection camp and will be working to trim that back to 23 before they are done with a pair of exhibition games that take place just before the tournament begins. That 23-man roster will be comprised of three goaltenders and 20 skaters.

Goaltenders

Felix Sandstrom, Brynäs IF (Philadelphia Flyers, 2015)

Linus Soderstrom, HC Vita Hästen (New York Islanders, 2014)

Erik Kallgren, IK Oskarshamn (Arizona Coyotes, 2015)

Defenseman

Sebastian Aho, Skellefteå AIK (undrafted)

William Lagesson, UMASS Amherst (Edmonton Oilers, 2014)

Jacob Larsson, Frölunda HC (Anaheim Ducks, 2015)

Adam Ollas Mattson, Djurgårdens IF (Calgary Flames, 2014)

Andreas Engllund, Djurgårdens IF (Ottawa Senators, 2014)

Marcus Pettersson, Skellefteå AIK (Anaheim Ducks, 2014)

Gustav Forsling, Linköping HC (Chicago Blackhawks via Vancouver Canucks, 2014)

Gabriel Carlsson, Linköping HC (Columbus Blue Jackets, 2015)

Forwards

Lukas Vejdemo, Djurgårdens IF (Montreal Canadiens, 2015)

Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Boston University (Boston Bruins, 2015)

Fredrik Olofsson, University of Nebraska-Omaha (Chicago Blackhawks, 2014)

Carl Grundstrom, MODO Hockey (2016 draft eligible)

Dmytro Timashov, Québec Remparts (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2015)

Rasmus Asplund, Färjestad BK (2016 draft eligible)

Alexander Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads (2016 draft eligible)

Joel Eriksson Ek, Färjestad BK (Minnesota Wild, 2015)

William Nylander, Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2014)

Oskar Lindblom, Brynäs IF (Philadelphia Flyers, 2014)

Jens Looke, Almtuna IS (Arizona Coyotes, 2015)

Axel Holmstrom, Skellefteå AIK (Detroit Red Wings, 2014)

Christoffer Ehn, BIK Karlskoga (Detroit Red Wings, 2014)

Anton Karlsson, Leksands IF (Arizona Coyotes, 2014)

Adrian Kempe, Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings, 2014)

One of the things that jumps out about Sweden’s selection camp roster is that their defense is very strong and is on the older side. Six of the eight defenseman they’re bringing in are 1996s. That will give them one of the more experienced blue lines in the tournament. And the two who weren’t 2014 draft eligible were first round draft picks in 2015, Jacob Larsson and Gabriel Carlsson.

With just eight defenseman getting an invite to camp, it appears they are very close to picking their defensive group already. All three goalies will join the team as well, with each team able to roster three goaltenders.

There are also a couple of players currently in the AHL who are getting to join their national squad with the Kings loaning Adrian Kempe and the Maple Leafs loaning William Nylander, who may have the opportunity to play with his brother, a top-rated prospect for the 2016 NHL draft, Alexander Nylander.

One notable omission that may get discussed is Oliver Kylington, picked by the Calgary Flames with the first pick of the second round in the 2015 draft. He has three goals and two assists through 14 games for the Stockton Heat of the AHL.

Sweden will play their first exhibition game on December 18 against Denmark and their second on December 21 against Slovakia.