Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm will replace Niklas Kronwall on Sweden’s roster for the World Cup of Hockey.
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall was named to Sweden’s roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. However, it appears that he is not healthy enough to play. Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm will replace Kronwall on Sweden’s roster.
Lindholm joins an already deep blue line that features Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Anton Stralman, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Mattias Ekholm. Kronwall was the weakest link on the roster. Adding Lindholm gives Sweden the best blue line in the World Cup. Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg is one of the NHL’s best defenseman and Sweden has no room for him. That’s quite telling.
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While Lindholm technically does not have a contract, insurance will take care of any medical expenses necessary should an injury occur. Lindholm is a restricted free agent and is reportedly seeking a long-term deal with the Ducks. The Ducks would prefer a short-term deal with their salary cap situation.
Lindholm had 28 points in 2015-16 in 80 games, including a career best 10 goals. He added three assists in the playoffs during the Ducks’ first round series against the Nashville Predators. Lindholm has 92 points in his first three NHL seasons. He is one of the league’s top possession players.
Sweden will rely heavily on their defense to win the World Cup, and it just might be enough to carry them to a World Cup victory. Not only does their blue line have a blend of skill and size, they also have arguably the best goaltender in the world in Henrik Lundqvist. Their forwards are impressive, but they don’t quite match up to Canada’s. However, they have an advantage on defense thanks to their blue line and Lundqvist.