Capitals' Rasmus Sandin to represent Sweden in 2023 IIHF World Championship
Sandin to represent Sweden at 2023 IIHF World Championship originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin will represent his native country Sweden in the 2023 IIHF World Championship this spring, general manager Brian MacLellan announced on Wednesday.
Sandin participating in the tournament is not much of a surprise, as the 23-year-old said during his exit interview that conversations had already started regarding him lacing up for Sweden.
"It would definitely be an honor to go play in the Worlds now that the outcome wasn't what we wanted in here," Sandin said on April 15. "It would be pretty fun to go."
Sandin previously represented Sweden in both the 2019 and 2020 World Junior Championships, helping his country earn a bronze medal in 2020. He was named the tournament's top defenseman in 2020 after recording three goals and seven assists (10 points) in seven games.
Related: One month in Washington, Rasmus Sandin is finding his footing
The Capitals acquired Sandin from the Toronto Maple Leafs in early March just before the trade deadline. The defenseman recorded 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 19 games with the Capitals, eight of which came in his first four games with the team. Sandin set a career-high in goals (seven), assists (21) and points (28) this past season.
The 2023 IIHF World Championship will be held in both Latvia and Finland. The opening games begin on May 12; the tournament concludes two weeks later with the Gold Medal game on May 28 at Nokia Arena in Finland.
