Jesper Bratt Withdraws from World Championship for Shoulder Surgery

Jesper Bratt, the 26-year-old star forward for the New Jersey Devils, has officially withdrawn from the World Championship due to shoulder surgery, a decision he described as emotionally difficult but necessary for his long-term health. After a standout season scoring 88 points in 81 games—making him the highest-scoring Swedish player in the NHL—Bratt has been grappling with shoulder issues for multiple years.

He explained that the injury affected his performance significantly, stating, "The injury became part of my everyday life. During 15 games, my shoulder could feel completely fine, but after a small hit, I could barely lift my arm for a week. It was very inconsistent throughout the season." This ongoing pain led him to prioritize his well-being over competing in a major event, particularly as future competitions such as the Olympics loom.

Bratt, who grew up near Globen where the championship will take place, mentioned having deep conversations with his parents about the decision. Reflecting on his choice, he noted, "It was a grown-up decision," emphasizing that he did not want to take the risk of playing at only 40-50% capacity. Despite the disappointment of not playing in front of family and friends, he remains positive about his recovery, assuring that he will be ready for the start of the next season.