Washington Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky is joining three other Washington teammates at the 2016 World Championship, where he will play for Team Sweden. He’ll be joined by Nashville defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
The Swedes currently sit at third place in Group A with a 2-1-0-1 record. Both are scheduled to make his debut in Sunday’s game against the Swiss on May 15. They’re one of four players the team hopes to add over the weekend, including the Stars’ John Klingberg pending a medical examination by Dallas. They have also registered Lulea goaltender Joel Lassinantti as their third netminder.
The 21-year-old Burakovsky played a career-high 79 games for the Caps, who set a franchise record and won the Presidents’ Trophy before being eliminated in the second round by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Burakovsky also hit career-high marks in goals (17), assists (21) and points (38).
Through 12 playoff games he scored one goal and no assists.
He previously suited up for the national team at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Sweden grabbed a silver medal. He posted three goals and seven points through seven tournament contests.
The 2016 tournament will be Ekholm’s third appearance at Worlds. He won a bronze medal with Sweden in 2014 and was named one of the team’s three best players.
Filip Forsberg and Johnny Oduya had to decline invites from Team Sweden due to injury.