Penguins defensemen Erik Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson have been chosen to represent Team Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, as announced by the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. The championship is scheduled to take place from May 10-26 in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia.
Karlsson has previously represented Sweden at the World Championship in 2010 and 2012, winning a bronze medal in 2010. On the other hand, Pettersson has played for Sweden in the 2019 and 2022 World Championships.
Karlsson, 33, joined the Penguins this season after being traded from the San Jose Sharks on August 6, 2023. Hailing from Landsbro, Sweden, he excelled in his new team by leading all Penguins’ defensemen in goals, assists, and points throughout the season. He also reached a significant milestone by becoming the 14th active defenseman to play 1,000 NHL games on April 13.
Pettersson, 27, had a standout season, achieving career-highs in multiple offensive categories. The defenseman from Skelleftea, Sweden, played all 82 games and scored four goals, made 26 assists, and totaled 30 points. Additionally, he scored his first career game-winning goal against Montreal on January 27 and ended the season leading Pittsburgh with a plus-28 rating among defensemen.
Team Sweden’s Preliminary Round Schedule is provided below, with broadcast information set to be announced at a later date.