Elias Lindholm went from Boston Bruins IR worry to Team Sweden second-line center, and the Olympic tone just flipped fast.

Lindholm entered the Olympic break on injured reserve, so the assumption was he might be limited or scratched.

That’s why Sweden’s latest projected lines felt like an unexpected statement all by itself. Sweden is not easing him in on a sheltered line.

Sweden is handing him the keys to the second line, right in the middle of the tournament pressure.

That is the clearest sign yet that Lindholm is good to go. It also hints Sweden believes his game is stable enough to handle real matchups, not just spot shifts.

The projection has Jesper Bratt on Lindholm’s left and Lucas Raymond on his right.

That’s speed and skill on both sides, which tells you Sweden wants Lindholm driving possession, not simply surviving. The surprise is not the talent.

The surprise is the confidence, because injured players usually get hidden until they prove they can take contact. With Lindholm, Sweden is acting like the injury is behind him, not ahead of him.

Elias Lindholm good to go for Sweden

Sweden fans have to feel a little relief, because a healthy Lindholm changes their center depth instantly.

Lindholm can be a difference maker for Sweden, like he has been for the Bruins this season. Bratt and Raymond can both attack off the rush, but they need a center who arrives on time and wins the second puck.

Obviously Lindholm is going to go out there and give it his all. He is getting the chance to perform on one of the biggest stages in the NHL.

But the Boston Bruins are going to be hopeful that he comes out of the tournament good to go for them as well.

Boston is pushing to make it back to the playoffs this season after missing last year, and Lindholm has played a key role, so getting him back would be huge.