If I had to speculate about those 7-8 names it would probably be:
Hedman - Makes sense, had a great season and wasn't his fault they missed playoffs.
Strålman - Package deal with Hedman, but he's usually showed up when given a chance.
Klingberg - Basically said straight up he's going as long as he's invited.
E. Lindholm - Finished well, probably looking to play some more.
Rask - Bit of a packade deal here aswell, this year he has a contract in place.
Nyquist - Because why not.
Edler - Been a while since he played any meaningful hockey.
Lehner* - Invited and likely wants to play but needs a new contract first.
That would leave outside:
OEL - With sad death of his mother, I'd expect his mind to be somewhere else right now.
Landeskog - As the captain of a sinking ship, I don't expect him to go.
Söderberg - Has not shown any willingness before to play in WCH, was also terrible this year.
Nilsson - Similar situation to Lehner.
Läck - Don't think they view him as better than the options in Europe, his season was bad and he had some late injury struggles aswell.
One potentially invited but not talked about much could also be Nordström. Can certainly play a checking or 3rd wheel role on this team.
There's plenty enough players potentially going out in the 1st round to add another 5-6. Preferably guys like Forsberg, Arvidsson and Wennberg.
Ekholm is another darling of the federation, coming off a great season. Possible additions after round 1:
Most likely additions
Nylander - Great season, known by Grönborg from the junior team.
Ekholm - Great in his last WHC, a sweetheart of the federation.
Forsberg - See Ekholm/Nylander.
Arvidsson - Packaged with Forsberg after his 30 goal season.
Wennberg - Center to lead the PP1 unit coming of a breakout season. CBJ may very well beat out Pittsburgh also, so no guarantee he will even be available
The Pittsburgh duo will likely not accept an invitation after the long season last year, and injuries following Hagelin. I also cant see anyone from Washington coming after what would be a monumental disappointment in being eliminated by Toronto.
I have no idea how the Edmonton duo, Brodin, or Anaheim trio would think. I guess H. Lindholm and Rakell have never been to the WHC, so they might want to go. I could see Adam Larsson go as well
I think usually the team leaves 3-4 spots open for round 1 exits to join? I have to imagine if they get a package deal like the Nashville or Anaheim trio (2F + 1D) they just take it and run with it. If better players happen to be available later (like Karlsson) that is a loss they just are willing to accept at that point.
