When Sweden took the ice for their Beijer Games matchup against Switzerland, the Detroit Red Wings' influence was impossible to miss. It wasn't just one player making an impact—it was a full-blown showcase of Red Wings talent wearing the Tre Kronor jersey.
Defenseman Albert Johansson stole the spotlight, scoring twice to lead Sweden to a commanding 3-0 victory. For a player who managed just three goals all season in Detroit, this performance was a breakout moment on the international stage. Johansson hadn't suited up for the national team since the 2020-21 season, making his two-goal outing all the more impressive.
Johansson wasn't alone in his success. He was paired with veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs—a player who, interestingly enough, was linked to the Red Wings in trade rumors just before the NHL deadline. The chemistry between the two was evident, and many expect them to anchor Sweden's top defensive pairing at the upcoming IIHF World Championship.
"They get a lot of minutes, and they do very well," Swedish coach Sam Hallam told Swedish TV Network SVT. While Hallam stopped short of confirming them as his top duo, he added, "It could be. We'll see how we shape it in the end. It depends on which eight defenders we bring to the World Cup. But they're showing a game now that can really be built on."
The Red Wings connection didn't stop there. Former Detroit forward Jacob de la Rosa added Sweden's other goal, while ex-Wings goaltender Magnus Hellberg stopped all 25 shots he faced to earn the shutout. Former NHL blueliner Oscar Klefbom praised the effort, telling SVT, "Exactly the message we wanted. Hellberg will be incredibly important."
And let's not forget Lucas Raymond, who was back in the Swedish lineup for the first time since the Winter Olympics quarter-finals. While he didn't find the scoresheet this time, his presence added another layer of Red Wings pride to an already Detroit-heavy victory.
For Red Wings fans, this game was a reminder of the talent brewing within the organization—and a preview of what could be a very Swedish World Championship campaign.