For several of the younger players in Tre Kronor, the ongoing Four Nations is a real highlight.
The veterans don't disagree.
But after the NHL has opted out of the Olympic Games since 2014, it's the Olympic Games that are number one for players like the 34-year-old defensemen Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, and Mattias Ekholm, as well as the 30-year-old forward Filip Forsberg.
That tournaments like Four Nations and World Cup are included is a bonus.
The four were the only ones from today's team who participated in the World Cup in Toronto in 2016.
"The Olympic Games are what it's about"
Erik Karlsson is the only one of them who has played in the Olympic Games, in Sochi in 2014 where Sweden took silver.
Since then, the NHL has not participated, but will make a comeback in Milan next year. And everyone in the hockey world is rejoicing.
I've had the luck to play an Olympic Games and it's one of the biggest highlights of my career. It's what we're all playing for. This tournament is incredibly fun and we want to compete at our best, but it's the Olympic Games that matter, says Karlsson.
When Erik Karlsson participated in Sochi, he got to play with his close friend and former teammate Daniel Alfredsson – assistant coach in Tre Kronor during Four Nations – who then played in his fifth Olympic Games.
Erik Karlsson says he feels bitterness about the NHL opting out of the last two Olympic tournaments.
I was young when I played in Sochi and thought I would get many opportunities to play in the Olympic Games after that, but now we've missed the last two and this is the last chance. I'm very excited about it and a little bitter about missing two chances, he says.
"Fought for too long"
Mattias Ekholm, the Edmonton defenseman, feels the same way:
I'll turn 35 in May, so it's been incredibly fun to measure myself against the best. Above all, I think it's a shame for our generation that neither I nor (Victor) Hedman got the opportunity to play in the Olympic Games.
The NHL has committed to participating in the next two Olympic tournaments. This also means that NHL stars will be participating internationally at least every other year.
Filip Forsberg praises tournaments like Four Nations and World Cup, but...
The Olympic Games are, of course, something we've fought for very long and hopefully can continue to do so for a long time, says the Nashville star.
Probably, he's one of many 30-plus players in Tre Kronor who will make their Olympic debut next year.
The Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina will take place from February 6-22 next year.
The men's ice hockey tournament, where NHL players will participate again, will be played between February 9 and 20 and will feature 12 teams.
Currently, there are two different seedings, one with Russia and one without.
If Russia participates in the tournament, Sweden will play in Group A with Canada, Switzerland, and Italy.
If Russia does not participate, a different seeding will apply, and Sweden will then play in Group B together with Finland, Slovakia, and Italy.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has extended Russia's suspension for next season, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make the final decision regarding Russia's Olympic participation.
In the last Olympic tournament with NHL players, 2014, Canada won the final against Sweden.
