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Oilers' defenseman calls out team Sweden GM for reason behind Olympic snub
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Swedish Ice Hockey Federation revealed its men's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, with perhaps one questionable exclusion.
Instead of going with defenseman Mattias Ekholm, management opted for youth and selected Philip Broberg from the St. Louis Blues.
Inexperience over age for his Olympic debut
For years, Sweden had gone with Mattias Ekholm to represent them at international competitions, including last February's 4 Nations Face-Off, perhaps the last time representing his native country.
Just disappointed. This was probably my last shot at it. It's right up there with the Stanley Cup, the Olympics. Huge disappointment, not much I can do about it now.
They said I had just missed (out). So I guess I'm on that (wait) list.
- Mattias Ekholm
They said I had just missed (out). So I guess I'm on that (wait) list.
- Mattias Ekholm
Oilers' fans may recall when Broberg left Edmonton on an offer-sheet two years ago, after being unhappy with how management handled his contract negotiations, perhaps adding salt on the Ekholm omission.
In terms of who is the better defenseman for the Olympic roster, there are pros and cons for both players.
Though with this being the first best-on-best tournament - notwithstanding 4 Nations - they might have gone with Ekholm's experience and understanding of international competition, over youth.
There was some speculation that Mattias' health during 4 Nations last year was a factor in him not being selected for Milan.
I said the same thing to the Swedish papers that I hope that wasn't a part of it. I don't think it was anywhere near as big a deal as the media brought it out to be. It's more a question for him (Hallam), he's the one picking the team.
- Ekholm
- Ekholm
Ekholm is likely the next-man-up if one of the Team Sweden defensemen should be injured prior to the Olympics.