NHL 2026/27 season features 83 Swedish players and new Disney broadcast team

The 2026/27 NHL season is set to begin with 83 Swedish players included in various team rosters or injury lists. The Detroit Red Wings hold the highest number of Swedish players with eight, followed by the Vancouver Canucks with six, and the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins with five each. Four players—Viggo Björck, Anton Johansson, William Wallinder, and Ivar Stenberg—are making their NHL debuts this season.

In broadcasting news, Disney has announced its expert commentary team for NHL coverage in Sweden, which begins in the 2026/27 season. The trio will consist of Tobias Dahlberg, Pelle Bäckman, and former NHL player Viktor Stålberg. Disney's rights for the league in Sweden and Finland run through the 2030/31 season, covering 160 exclusive regular-season games annually and select Stanley Cup playoff matches. These broadcasts will be produced in collaboration with ESPN, while Viaplay will continue to hold rights for other NHL matches.