As has been expected over the last couple weeks, the Nashville Predators have formally loaned rookie forward Filip Forsberg to play for Team Sweden at the 2014 World Junior Championships, which begin later this week in Sweden. Fans in the US can follow the action on NHL Network (schedule here). With Forsberg’s addition, the Swedes should be major contenders for the gold medal.
Last year at the World Juniors, Forsberg put up three goals and two assists in six games as Sweden took the silver medal (losing in the final game to Seth Jones’ and Phil Housley’s Team USA).
Forsberg was only recently activated from Injured Reserve, and spent the last few days with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL getting back into game shape.
Here’s an excerpt from the Preds’ press release:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has loaned forward Filip Forsberg to the Swedish National Team for the 2014 World Junior Championships, taking place Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Malmo, Sweden.
Forsberg, 19 (8/13/94), has posted five points (1g-4a) in 12 games with Nashville, and eight points (3g-5a) in seven games with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals in 2013-14. The Ostervala, Sweden native helped Sweden win gold at the 2012 World Junior Championships, and captained the Swedes to a silver medal at the 2013 World Juniors, being named to the tournament’s All-Star Team in the process.
Since he’s not looking at getting significant ice time soon with the Predators, this tournament should present an exciting challenge for Forsberg, a chance to show himself against the best in the world in his age group.
