35-year-old Hellberg is well deserving of his place. He has played several seasons in the NHL, won World Championship gold with Tre Kronor and represented Sweden at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
This fall, he has guarded Djurgården's goal in 11 of 13 matches - and that is precisely why he will not be playing for the national team. According to Aftonbladet, he believes the workload has been heavy and will remain so until Christmas.
In Hellberg's absence, the national team's goalkeepers are Rögle's Arvid Holm and Färjestad's Melker Thelin, who is making his debut.
"Melker has done a very good job. He is a young goalkeeper who has taken a big step," Grönborg said at a press conference.
There are also two debutants among the forwards: Albin Sundsvik from Rögle and Färjestad's Viktor Lodin.
Viktor is a big and strong player, says Grönborg.
Albin is a strong skater; he reads the game well.
Sweden will face the Czech Republic in Prague on November 5. Switzerland (November 7) and Finland (November 8) follow, with both matches played in Helsinki.
Goalkeepers: Melker Thelin, Färjestad; Arvid Holm, Rögle
Backs: Jacob Larsson, Rapperswil-Jona; Gabriel Carlsson, Färjestad; Pontus Johansson, Skellefteå; Filip Johansson, Rögle; Filip Roos, Färjestad; Arvid Lundberg, Skellefteå; Jonathan Pudas, Skellefteå; Adam Ollas Mattsson, Färjestad
Forwards: Isac Hedqvist, Luleå; Samuel Fagemo, Frölunda; Jack Berglund, Färjestad; Fredrik Olofsson, Rögle; Lucas Elvenes, Växjö; Albin Sundsvik, Rögle; Karl Henriksson, Växjö; Filip Cederqvist, Frölunda; Viktor Lodin, Färjestad; Marcus Sylvegård, Biel-Bienne; Jesper Frödén, ZSC Lions; Emil Bemström, Bern; Jacob de la Rose, Fribourg-Gottéron; Rickard Hugg, Skellefteå
