Denmark Handicapped Without NHL Stars at World Championships

Denmark's NHL stars, including Lars Eller and Oliver Bjorkstrand, won't participate in the World Championships due to playoffs and injury.

Denmark will face a significant challenge at the upcoming World Championships, which will be held on home ice, as they will be without their NHL stars. The absence of goalie Frederik Andersen and forwards Lars Eller, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Nikolaj Ehlers will be deeply felt. This contrasts with the 2018 tournament, when Denmark last hosted, and some NHL players were able to participate, including Andersen and Bjorkstrand.

Danish NHL players Lars Eller is currently focused on chasing the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals, who secured a playoff spot on Thursday night. Eller ruled out participating in the upcoming tournament in Denmark, citing his team's ongoing playoff run. “NHL players are only an option if their team are not playing in the playoffs, so it is not relevant since we are still in it,” Eller explained in a text message. He added, “I hope that Denmark will have a good tournament on home ice.” This means Eller joins other retired Danish NHL players like Frans Nielsen and Mikkel Boedker, who have ended their careers.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Oliver Bjorkstrand won't participate in the World Championships due to an injury. “Unfortunately, I was injured just before the play-offs in my left thigh,” Bjorkstrand said, explaining that he suffers from bleeding inside a muscle. Despite Tampa Bay's elimination from the playoffs after losing to the Florida Panthers, Bjorkstrand's injury prevents him from joining Denmark's team for the tournament.

Oliver Bjorkstrand won't be able to play for Denmark in the World Championships due to an injury. “Because of the injury I can't play in the World Championships this year. I won't be ready to play until three or four weeks from now,” Bjorkstrand said, ruling out his participation in the tournament, which starts on May 9 in Herning.

"Oliver Bjorkstrand, welcome to the Lightning!" pic.twitter.com/IAlWAH9dCR

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 7, 2025