Elias Lindholm went from injured reserve worry to top-six confidence, and Sweden’s Olympic plan just snapped into focus.

Heading into Milan, Boston Bruins fans had one question: is Lindholm actually going to be able to go.

Boston placed him on injured reserve with an upper-body injury on February 2nd, and the uncertainty felt real for a minute.

That IR tag mattered because it wasn’t just “maintenance,” but instead it was a roster move with no clear timeline attached. Now the tone has flipped.

Early Olympic usage and projected roles suggest Lindholm is expected to skate in Sweden’s top six.

That’s the confirmation Bruins fans needed, because top-six deployment usually means the player is good enough to handle real minutes.

Sweden opens the men’s tournament on Wednesday, February 11, and they aren’t easing into anything.

For Lindholm, it’s a fast return to the spotlight after missing time at the worst possible moment. Before the injury, he was producing for Boston with 11-26-37 in 44 games, quietly holding together a lot of tough shifts.

That two-way profile is exactly why Sweden wants him high in the lineup. They don’t need him to be cute.

They need him to win the middle of the ice, protect pucks, and keep Sweden’s best shooters playing on their toes.

Elias Lindholm's Olympic fate is official

After it wasn't clear whether or not Lindholm would be good to go for Sweden, he is going to get a prime look for them in their top-six.

Injuries have been the story of the season for the Bruins this season, with Lindholm being a player that has been in and out of the lineup.

Heading into the Olympics down Lindholm would have definitely hurt Team Sweden, thankfully they won't have to worry about that though.