Sweden has made changes to its roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, with Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins stepping in for the injured William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. Coach Sam Hallam announced the updates, also confirming that Samuel Ersson from Philadelphia will replace Jacob Markstrom due to injury. Rakell, currently leading the Penguins with 23 goals in 53 games this season, has been praised for his all-around game and commitment to defensive play.

Finland has also adjusted its squad, replacing Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpaa with Henri Jokiharju of Buffalo and Urho Vaakanainen of the New York Rangers due to injuries. The U.S. team faces similar issues with Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski sidelined. Canada is yet to appoint a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo, who withdrew to manage an ailment and prepare for the rest of the NHL season.

Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been selected to join Sweden's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off as a replacement for the injured William Karlsson from the Vegas Golden Knights. Coach Sam Hallam announced the update, which also includes goaltender Samuel Ersson of Philadelphia, stepping in for New Jersey's Jacob Markstrom.

Rakell, 31, is having an impressive season, leading the Penguins with 23 goals and contributing to 45 points over 53 games. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised his performance, highlighting Rakell's all-around play, commitment to defense, and physicality on the ice.

Meanwhile, Finland has made adjustments to its lineup due to injuries, with Miro Heiskanen from Dallas and Jani Hakanpaa from Toronto being replaced. The United States also faces challenges with key players like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski sidelined.

Canada still needs to replace Alex Pietrangelo, while practices for the NHL-run tournament commence soon, with games scheduled in Montreal and Boston.

Sweden's national hockey team will include Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, following the injury of forward William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. Rakell has been impressive this season, leading his team with 23 goals and ranking second in points. Coach Mike Sullivan praised his all-around game, highlighting Rakell's commitment to both offense and defense. Alongside Rakell, Samuel Ersson from the Philadelphia Flyers was added to replace New Jersey's Jacob Markstrom. Finland also faces challenges with injuries, while Canada is tasked with finding a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo.

The tournament practices are set to commence soon, with the competition beginning next week in Montreal before shifting to Boston. This event serves as a modified version of a World Cup-style tournament, taking place before the Milan Olympics in 2026.

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson has been called up to the Swedish national team for the 4 Nations Face-Off, replacing Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils due to injury. Coach Sam Hallam's announcement came two weeks before the tournament, where Sweden will face Canada, Finland, and the U.S. Ersson has previously represented Sweden internationally, including a bronze medal win at the 2024 world championships.

With Markstrom sidelined for at least a month, Ersson joins Filip Gustavsson from Minnesota Wild and Linus Ullmark from Ottawa Senators as the squad's goalkeepers. The Swedish Hockey Federation may need to manage more injuries as players like William Karlsson from Vegas and Jonas Brodin from Minnesota are also dealing with health issues.

Alex Pietrangelo, a seasoned defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, has opted out of the upcoming 2025 4 Nations Face-Off to address a health issue and focus on his duties for the remainder of the NHL season. The Knights confirmed his withdrawal in a statement released on social media.

This season, the 35-year-old has played 46 games, contributing 25 points with three goals and 22 assists. Pietrangelo was slated to represent Canada alongside teammates Mark Stone, Shea Theodore, and Adin Hill. His absence and that of fellow Golden Knight William Karlsson, who is recovering from an injury, leave Canada's roster in flux.