Johan Garpenlov questions Erik Karlsson's spot on Sweden's 4 Nations squad (Source: Imagn)
Former Team Sweden coach Johan Garpenlov recently questioned Erik Karlsson’s selection for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Garpenlov, who led Sweden from 2019 to 2022, said he would not have picked Karlsson due to his defensive weaknesses.
Karlsson, a star defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is known for his offensive skills. In 2022-23, he had a standout 101-point season and won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.
However, Garpenlov is concerned about Karlsson’s defensive abilities, noting that the tournament format requires fewer mistakes and a sharper defensive focus.
"I had not selected Erik Karlsson in this 4 Nations squad. His shortcomings in the defensive game are too great in such a short tournament. Every match is so important and then you can't afford to make these big mistakes like Erik Karlsson unfortunately does," Garpenlov said via Radiosporten.
