Sweden looks to re-energize its international competitiveness through significant changes to the program, including the hiring of Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom as an advisor.<\/p>\n
This won\u2019t prevent Lidstrom from keeping his job as a Red Wings\u2019 vice president. <\/p>\n
The website Expressen reports that Lidstrom signed a two-year contract<\/a> and his focus will be on keeping contact with Swedish NHLers. He will also be looking to strengthen relationships with agents and NHL team in preparations for the next World Championships and World Cup. <\/p>\n The Swedes were disappointed in the team\u2019s performance at the 2026 World Championships. Switzerland eliminated Sweden in the quarterfinals. The Swedes only have two medals earned over the past seven World Championships. The Swedes did not make the semifinals at this year\u2019s Olympic Games.<\/p>\n Other changes include: Rikard Gr\u00f6nborg replaces Sam Hallam as head coach. Tommy Boustedt will scout in Europe and the SHL and will be involved in the team selections. Jack Han becomes an analyst.<\/p>\n Lidstrom said received GM Steve Yzerman\u2019s blessing before he accepted the job. <\/p>\n Persuading players to come to the World Championships after a long NHL season is an issue for all countries, including Sweden. This year\u2019s team was missing many top players.<\/p>\n Does Lidstrom think he can help in that regard?<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Lidstrom told Expressen: \u201cWhen Rikard was the coach last time, he had very good contact with the NHL players and I think he will maintain that. Then I have to help with what I can. Maybe talk more with clubs and agents. We both get to be with and process.\u201d<\/p>\n In Case You Missed It<\/p>\n Today\u2019s Red Wings report card looks at Ben Chiarot\u2019<\/a>s place on this team. <\/p>\n Goalie Michal Postava\u2019s <\/a>goal is to be Detroit\u2019s No. 2 goal in 2026-27<\/p>\n The Toronto Maple Leafs\u2019 <\/a>new coach spent time with Detroit as a player and assistant coach..<\/p>\n Red Wings Extra<\/p>\n Former Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard will serve as the goalie coach for the Detroit PWHL team. . . Laila Edwards, picked fourth overall by San Jose in the PWHL draft, was an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings while growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She played for the gold medal-winning USA squad at the 2026 Olympics. Edwards can play both defense and forward. . . Detroit\u2019s first pick was Switzerland Olympic goalie Andrea Br\u00e4ndli\u00a0who helped her country win a hockey bronze medal at the 2026 Games.<\/p>\n Hockey Now Digest<\/p>\n Boston: Jack Studley looks at whether or not potential Ottawa RFA Jordan Spencer might be a possible trade option for the Boston Bruins. <\/a><\/p>\n Chicago: While the Blackhawks have several needs, a veteran defenseman may be among the priorities. Chicago Blackhawks. <\/p>\n Montreal: MHN lays out the Canadiens\u2019 salary cap situation, plus trade and free agency considerations,<\/p>\n