The 32-year-old from Märsta is on home soil. The fact that the World Championship is being held in Stockholm was not a drawback when William Karlsson decided to accept the offer to play for Tre Kronor.
It definitely helps when you have family and friends, you're from here. It's obviously much easier to say yes, says William Karlsson.
The NHL season ended in the second round of the playoffs against Edmonton. But Vegas center is coming to the World Championship, he says himself. In the regular season, he scored 29 points in 52 games, and followed it up with six more points in eleven playoff games.
I hope I come in with good form. It feels that way, at least.
Stanley Cup Winner
Sweden has won all six of its matches in the World Championship. William Karlsson, who won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023, is expected to go straight into the starting lineup for Tuesday's final group stage match against Canada.
I hope I play tomorrow. It's just a matter of going for it, says Karlsson.
It feels like I'm coming into a very well-functioning team. They've won every match and seem to have great confidence.
Dreaming of the Olympic Games
He hasn't played a national team tournament since Tre Kronor won the World Championship gold in 2017. He missed the Four Nations earlier this year due to injury.
So getting this chance to show off, it felt completely natural (to accept).
The fact that the Olympic Games are less than a year away, where NHL players will be allowed to take part, also boosts the desire to show off in the national team jersey.
It definitely matters. The Olympic Games are the ultimate goal, you've dreamed about it since the guys won gold in Turin. It's the dream with Tre Kronor, to get to play an Olympic Games.
With the arrival of William Karlsson and Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin, there is only one spot left in the squad. Toronto star William Nylander would be a dream reinforcement. Tre Kronor's World Championship squad currently consists of 21 NHL pros.
Tre Kronor's formations at Monday's training session ahead of the meeting with Canada:
Lines: Lucas Raymond, William Karlsson, Marcus Johansson – Elias Lindholm, Mikael Backlund, Filip Forsberg – Mika Zibanejad, Leo Carlsson, Alexander Wennberg – Jesper Frödén, Isac Lundeström, Emil Heineman.
Defensive pairs: Rasmus Andersson, Marcus Pettersson – Adam Larsson, Jonas Brodin – Rasmus Sandin, Simon Edvinsson – Erik Gustafsson.
Power play: Rasmus Sandin – Filip Forsberg, William Karlsson, Elias Lindholm, Lucas Raymond.
Rasmus Andersson – Mika Zibanejad, Marcus Johansson, Mikael Backlund, Leo Carlsson.
