Some feared the Colorado Avalanche man would never play at the highest level again after spending the best part of three years sidelined by a knee injury, but so soon after making his return to action in April, he has already been selected by the Tre Kronor.
Sweden head coach Sam Hallam admitted not knowing if Landeskog would be able to participate until he phoned the 32-year-old.
"In that conversation, it became clear, then there was no doubt. We were both very happy about the outcome of that conversation. We are both very determined to drive this as hard as possible so that we give ourselves the chance to win this in the Olympic Games," said Hallam.
Landeskog last donned the yellow and blue at the World Championship 2019, two years after he won that tournament with Sweden. The 2025 edition saw the Swedes take the bronze medals under Hallam on home ice, with fellow pre-selected players William Nylander and Lucas Raymond featuring.
"The last few years have been a journey for me. I am very grateful to be back on the ice, but also hungry for more. It feels big and honourable to get this chance to represent Sweden at such a major championship as the Olympic Games,” said Landeskog in today's press release.
He also featured at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi - the last time NHL players participated in the games.
With the North American league's top names returning in 2026, the 12 participating teams each pre-selected six players they intend to take to Italy, while the rest of the squad will be announced in January at the latest.
"We have many good players who are not named now, if it had been twelve players we would have selected, it would not have been a problem," said Hallam of Sweden's depth of talent.
Sweden's squad so far
The following six players were selected on Monday:
Defenders: Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres)
Forwards: Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche), William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs), Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings), Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings)
Milan-Cortina 2026 will take place from 6-22 February next year. Sweden will play in group B against Finland, Slovakia and Italy.