Can NY Islanders' forwards Simon Holmstrom or Emil Heineman play their way onto Sweden's Olympic team?

We’re just over three months from puck drop at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking the first time NHL players will be present at the games since 2014 in Sochi. 

The NHL will pause its schedule during the games, but it remains uncertain whether any NY Islanders players will be called up to represent their nation.

Sweden, which last won the Gold Medal in 2006 in Turin, will be one of the favorites along with Canada, the USA, and Finland.

Holmstrom and Heineman pushing to play for Sweden

With one of the strongest pools to pull from, could either Simon Holmstrom or Emil Heineman force their way into the Swedish squad?

Last week, NHL.com predicted the Swedish team, with neither Islander on the projected roster.

Both Holmstrom and Heineman could provide versatility within the lineup, capable of playing on any of the four lines on the wing, while Holmstrom has established himself as a top penalty killer. 

After a demotion to the fourth line, Holmstrom is once again in favor with Patrick Roy, establishing himself within the top-9, registering seven points in his last seven games.

Heineman, who was part of the trade that sent Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens, was expected to play a bottom-6 role upon joining the Islanders. His high-caliber shot and skating have earned him a spot on the Isles’ top line, currently playing alongside Bo Horvat and May Barzal, and he is currently second on the team with five goals.

As we've seen with these tournaments, it isn't typically the 20 best players from a country selected to play in international tournaments. Checking roles are still necessary, and while Holmstrom and Heineman may not put up the same numbers as other Swedes, they could be more effective playing 12 hard minutes against opponents' top lines.

Rosters for the Olympics will be submitted around New Year’s, giving Josef Boumedienne, the Swedish GM, around two months to continue evaluations. Both Holmstrom and Heineman are currently on the outside looking in, but their play as of this year could force their way onto Tre Kronor.