He’s played his entire 14-year NHL career with the Preds – 795 games as of Nov. 7, to be exact – plenty of time for plenty in his hometown to adopt Forsberg’s club as their own.

“You see kids in the summer with Preds hats and the odd jersey, and then T-shirts and things like that, which is awesome,” Forsberg said. “At least we’ve put Nashville on the map for my hometown, but even the state, like I said, it’s a very passionate hockey state. They all love Leksand, and I came out of there, and they’re loyal – by default, almost – to the Preds as well. And that means a lot, obviously, when you see that.”

The drive from Leksand to Stockholm is just over three hours, and while Forsberg doesn’t expect the whole town or everyone he’s ever met to be in attendance, he’s very much looking forward to the experience with family and friends, especially his young son, Felix.

“[Felix is] not missing anything,” Forsberg smiled. “He’ll be there… It’s going to be awesome. We played the [World Championship] in Stockholm this spring, and that was great [having him there]. Seeing the same thing, to represent your country with your son, and obviously your American wife [Erin] in the stands – but she’s a Swede now – it’s got to be, in a way, a lot more special playing for Preds… It’s going to be really cool to have them there and together with Swedish family, Swedish friends and all the teammates.”

Of course, there won’t just be Swedes in attendance at Avicii Arena on Nov. 14 and Nov. 16 to see the Preds and Penguins get together. A number of fans from Nashville are set to make the trip, and from other locales, too.

So, what’s a must for visitors upon arriving in Stockholm?

“Meatballs,” Forsberg said of the world-famous Swedish dish. “Whatever the Swedish meatballs that people have had over here, it’s not the real thing. So, make sure they check that out, go to a nice little restaurant and order the meatballs and come back and talk about it after… The meatballs, you can’t go wrong with that.”

Admittedly not a local to Stockholm like Preds defenseman Adam Wilsby is, Forsberg advised checking in with his teammate for the full list of recommendations. But regardless of the meatball situation, Forberg is more than ready for the opportunity of a lifetime.

And that is a dream come true.

“I just didn’t think we’d get the chance to go to Europe again [since we] were there fairly recently,” Forsberg said. “So, I guess it was a door that was pretty much closed, but once it was slammed open, obviously that was a great feeling. And I’m really excited.”