Axel Elofsson has another international opportunity. IK Oskarshamn announced on Tuesday that the defenceman, on loan from Örebro, has been selected for Sweden U20's five-nation tournament in Nyköping, the final camp before the World Juniors.
Head coach Magnus Hävelid told Hockeysverige that Elofsson replaces the injured Malte Gustafsson and will initially stay with the squad until Friday. He is due to play against Slovakia and Switzerland. Gustafsson could return for the weekend games.
Sweden face Slovakia on Wednesday 4 November at 19:00 CET and Switzerland on Thursday 5 November at 19:00 CET. The games take place in Nyköping and will be shown on Expressen, according to the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.
Ahead of the camp, Hockeysverige reports 19 assists in 18 HockeyAllsvenskan games for Elofsson. That is a strong offensive start to his first full senior season.
In our Meet the Team article on 14 September, we highlighted the speed, technique and puck skill that were already there. We wanted him to have room to grow into senior hockey and develop through the autumn. It is now November, and he has another opportunity to test his game with Sweden.
That is encouraging for IK. Oskarshamn should be a place where young players can take responsibility and progress. There is still work to do in turning his offensive qualities into a complete senior game. His decisions in his own zone remain as interesting to follow as the points.
The World Juniors roster has yet to be selected. Elofsson now has an opportunity to show more before that decision. First up: Slovakia tonight.