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Sweden has announced its preliminary roster for the 2014 World Junior Championship.
Sweden's WJC roster:pic.twitter.com/YJZ3jbUYtU(2014 top prospect William Nylander didn't make the team.)
— Tsetse fly (@Tsetse_fly) December 5, 2013
Linus Arnesson, taken 60th overall by the Bruins in the 2013 draft, is on the team to the surprise of no one. He's played for Sweden at every level, including in 2013's WJC team that finished 2nd.
Though I closely monitor his progress in Sweden's Allsvenskan (the 2nd tier), I can't say I've been able to watch him play as closely as I would like and even though I did watch the entirety of last year's tournament, he wasn't necessarily on my radar since he wasn't a Bruins prospect at the time.
What I can tell you is that he's a very reliable defenseman with an ability to help create offense. He's not particularly flashy, but he's effective. For further reading, check out his post on our Top 25 Under 25 list. For further reading, here's what the Bruins had to say when he was drafted.
Through 21 games this season with Djurgarden, Arnesson has three points, all assists, and 30 penalty minutes.
The roster reveal also indicates fellow Bruins prospect Anton Blidh will not be participating in this year's tournament. The 180th overall pick in this year's draft has 16 points (9 goals, 7 assists) in 26 games.
While the numbers would suggest he merits a spot, it should be noted that he's spent the majority of the season (16 games) playing in Sweden's under-20 league. That's also where 14 of his 16 points have come from, meaning he's put up a 1-1-2 line in 10 games on loan with Karlskrona in Allsvenskan.
While Blidh has represented Sweden at the under-18 level, the thought from Sweden's hockey camp is likely that he's not the best fit for this tournament.
Sweden's World Junior tournament begins with a matchup against Switzerland on December 26. Don't forget that exhibition game against USA, either. Bruins prospect on Bruins prospect(s) action.