Senators' Karlsson, Zibanejad decline World Championship invites due to injuries

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson and forward Mika Zibanejad won't play for Sweden in the upcoming World Championship.

Swedish officials said the duo declined invitations due to injuries, according to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch.

The players are both listed under the "injured, won't join" section of Sweden's official roster page.

Zibanejad revealed Tuesday that he has a bruised kneecap, while Karlsson would not divulge the nature of his injury at the Senators' end-of-season availability.

The blue-liner was nominated for the Norris Trophy on Monday after appearing in all 82 games in the regular season and all six postseason contests. 

He tallied 66 points prior to the playoffs, adding a goal and three assists in Ottawa's first-round loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Zibanejad scored 20 goals in 80 regular-season contests and added a goal and three assists in six games against Montreal.