Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings’ Raymond Out, Griffins’ Berggren In For Swedish World Tourney Squad

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2022

Bob Duff

Encoutering a change of heart, Red Wings rookie forward Lucas Raymond has decided that he won't be playing for Sweden in the world tourney.

A current Detroit Red Wings player is out and a future Wings player is in as far as Sweden’s roster for the upcoming IIHF World Championship is concerned.

After originally offering indications that he was looking forward to playing for his country in the world tourney later this month in Finland, Red Wings rookie forward Lucas Raymond is now sending his regrets and turning down the chance to represent Sweden on the world stage.

No reason was given for Raymond’s change of heart. A 57-point scorer with 23 goals for the Red Wings this season, Raymond is among the top first-year players in the NHL.

He was among many top Swedish NHLers who declined their country’s invitation to the worlds. Also choosing to bow out were Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights and former Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Several other players opted out citing injury concerns. That group was including Red Wings forward Oskar Sundqvist.

Griffins Berggren To Play For Sweden

Meanwhile, Grand Rapids Griffins forward Jonatan Berggen will be joining the Swedish squad for the worlds. Berggren finished second among AHL rookies scorers this season with 21 goals and 43 assists for 64 points. Those totals set a new Griffins’ rookie record for points.

Red Wings goaltender Magnus Hellberg is also suiting up for Sweden in the world championship. Hellberg played for Sweden earlier this season at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Elmer Söderblom with his 1st goal for the men's national team! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/l0EB2ROvyI

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) May 1, 2022

With the impending arrival of the NHL cavalry, several players were being dropped from the Swedish squad. However, among those surviving the cutdown was forward and top Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom. Soderblom scored a highlight-reel goal for the Swedes in a pre-tournament game on Sunday against Finland. It proved to be the game winner in a 2-0 victory.