BERNE – Team Sweden has invited defenceman Johnny Oduya to join the team in the 2009 World Championship.

"Johnny Oduya has developed as a player in the NHL, and we're looking forward to see how he can help Tre Kronor," head coach Bengt-Åke Gustafsson said.

The Stockholm native has played 20 games with Team Sweden in his career. In the NHL, Oduya collected 7+22=29 points and was plus-21 in 82 games this season.

Sweden plays its first Qualification Round game against Russia on Thursday, then follows it up with a game against Switzerland on Sunday, May 3.