Erik Karlsson, Robin Lehner on Sweden Orientation Camp Roster, No Alfredsson
Team Sweden has announced its roster for their Orientation camp and a pair of Ottawa Senators were invited.
Naturally, Erik Karlsson was on the list, as the 2011-12 Norris Trophy winner is a lock to make the final roster this time around. Also on the list was Robin Lehner, who was one of 4 goalies invited to the August camp. Lehner will battle with Jhonas Enroth and Viktor Fasth to be the backup to Henrik Lundqvist.
May 22, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman
Erik Karlsson(65) controls the puck in the third period in game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place. The Penguins defeated the Senators by a score of 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Interesting to note that former Senators’ captain Daniel Alfredsson was not among the 18 forwards invited by the Swedish Hockey federation. Meanwhile a trio of European based forwards (Niklas Persson, Jimmie Ericsson and Joel Lundqvist) were chosen ahead of Alfredsson.
Karlsson will be big part of the blue line that could see as few as 3 members returning from the 2010 team. The new breed of Karlsson, Alex Edler, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be taking over from the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom.
Lehner will have to make the most of his appearances if he wants to get one of the three goaltending spots, as the three contenders to back up Lundqvist are all considered backups on their respective clubs.
Neither Mika Zibanejad nor former Senator Jakob Silfverberg were extended invitations.
Sweden finished a disappointing 5th in Vancouver after winning gold in 2006 in Torino. They will be looking for a return to the podium and will be one of 5 clubs with a legitimate shot at getting a medal.