William Eklund, a forward for the San Jose Sharks, is aiming to represent Sweden at the Winter Olympics in Milan next year. In the context of increasing opportunities for NHL players to participate in international competitions, Eklund’s ambitions reflect a growing trend. The NHL has announced its return to Olympic participation, as well as the World Cup of Hockey in 2028. Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini also expresses enthusiasm about potentially joining Team Canada and playing alongside his idol Sidney Crosby, highlighting the excitement surrounding future best-on-best tournaments.
"I dream about stuff like that," Eklund said Wednesday. "That would be so cool, and I'm going to do the best I can to make that team."
"It's really good for the game," said Sharks rookie center Macklin Celebrini, who could be a candidate for Canada's 25-man Olympic roster next year. "It just kind of creates a little bit more excitement."
"That would be surreal," Celebrini said. "I think it's every kid's goal to play in the Olympics one day."
NHL players are set to compete in the Winter Olympics next year and again in 2030 and the World Cup of Hockey is set to return in 2028.
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