Jacob Markstrom missed his chance to represent Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year. He got injured during a game with the Boston Bruins, and he wasn’t ready to return for the first best-on-best international tournament in more than a decade. Fortunately for Markstrom, he will get the chance to make up for that on an even bigger stage.
The Swedish Ice Hockey Association announced their picks for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics in February. Rosters were due on December 31st, so teams have been announcing them over the past few days. Markstrom will be joined by Jesper Bratt, who was a lock to make this roster.
Markstrom was hardly a lock. We just mentioned that he has an injury history, one that forced him to miss the 4 Nations. He also hasn’t been very good this season. His goals saved above expected is in the negative, but he’s been playing much better hockey in December than he was in October and November.
Sweden has some really good goalies seemingly out of nowhere. Jesper Wallstedt has been incredible for the Minnesota Wild this season. His teammate, Filip Gustavsson, also made the team. Markstrom will act as the veteran on the roster.
His choice means the Swedes are leaving former Vezina Trophy winner and current Ottawa Senators starter Linus Ullmark home. Unless someone gets injured, Ullmark will not go to Italy. He was there for the 4 Nations last season, but as we’ve already said, Markstrom was not available for that tournament.
Jacob Markstrom makes Team Sweden despite in-season struggles
The choice makes sense. Markstrom has tons of international experience, starting as their goalie back at the 2009-10 World Juniors. He continues to represent Sweden, playing in the IIHF World Championships five times, including in 2025 after the Devils were eliminated from the playoffs.
Markstrom making the team is good news for the Devils. As long as he stays healthy, this could help build his confidence. Making the team when there were other options will lift up Markstrom, and it could help him be the starter the Devils need.
Even if Markstrom isn't the starter in Milan, which he likely won't be at first, the chance to represent his country at the Olympics for the first time in his career is special. He will put on that popular yellow jersey, and it will mean more than it ever has.
Markstrom and Bratt join Jack Hughes as representatives for their country. We will see if anyone else makes their Olympic roster as more teams announce the who's who.