Tag: SHL

Rousek fined after SHL opener controversy

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HV71 suffered a dramatic defeat in the SHL season opener, losing 4-5 in overtime after surrendering a 3-0 lead. The closing minutes were marred by a contentious penalty incident involving HV71 forward Lukas Rousek and Malmö defender Eemil Viro. With the score 4-4 and around a minute remaining, Viro hooked Rousek; rather than awarding a late powerplay to the home side, the referee sent both players to the penalty box – Viro for hooking and Rousek for embellishment. Rousek protested strongly during and after the game. The league disciplinary committee has now concluded its review and fined Rousek 10,000 kronor for embellishment.

Key Facts

  • HV71 lost the SHL season opener at home, 4-5 in overtime, after leading 3-0.
  • The late incident occurred with the score 4-4 and roughly one minute left of regular time.
  • Malmö defenceman Eemil Viro hooked Lukas Rousek during the play.
  • The referee sent both players to the penalty box: Viro for hooking, Rousek for embellishment.
  • Lukas Rousek protested the penalty on ice and publicly after the match.
  • Rousek told the referees he did not believe he had dived and said he had been hooked and held.
  • Rousek was reported to the disciplinary committee the following morning for embellishment.
  • The disciplinary committee found that Rousek ’embellishes the situation’ and fined him 10,000 kronor.

IHM Discussion

The decision to fine Rousek 10,000 kronor for embellishment closes the disciplinary aspect of a match in which HV71 led 3-0 before losing 4-5 in overtime. At 4-4 late in regulation, Viro received a hooking penalty and Rousek was penalised for embellishment, leaving the sides with matching penalties rather than giving HV71 a late powerplay.

Rousek’s reaction underlined his disagreement with the call. He said he had been hooked and held, causing him to lose his balance. The disciplinary committee nevertheless found that he had embellished the situation and imposed a moderate fine.

Why It Matters

The ruling confirms that embellishment can be reviewed after a match and result in a financial penalty. In this case, the matching penalties also meant HV71 did not receive the late powerplay that appeared possible after the hooking call.

Mini Q&A

What happened in the closing minutes of the SHL opener?

With the score 4-4 and about a minute left, Malmö defender Eemil Viro hooked Lukas Rousek. The referee sent both players to the penalty box – Viro for hooking and Rousek for embellishment – cancelling a potential late powerplay for HV71.

What did Lukas Rousek say about the penalty?

Rousek said he wanted an explanation from the referees, did not believe it was a dive, and felt he had been both hooked and held, causing him to lose his balance. He said he was angry about the decision.

What did the disciplinary committee decide?

The disciplinary committee found that Lukas Rousek embellished the situation, concluded he was guilty of the offence ‘Embellishment’ and imposed a fine of 10,000 kronor.

Did the incident affect the match outcome?

The incident removed a late powerplay opportunity for HV71 and the match subsequently went to overtime, where HV71 lost 4-5.

IHM Final View

The fine formally resolves the disciplinary case arising from the closing stages of the opener. HV71 were left with an overtime loss after letting a 3-0 lead slip, while Rousek’s challenge to the embellishment call was rejected by the disciplinary committee.

Linus Söderström hopes for October return to Skellefteå

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Skellefteå goaltender Linus Söderström missed the opening of the 2026/27 SHL season as he continues rehabilitation after surgery on his other foot. The 30-year-old began skating a few weeks ago and is rebuilding step by step, avoiding firm return dates. Söderström said he elected to have the operation earlier in the hope of an earlier comeback and that the procedure was similar to last year’s, though on the opposite foot. He is taking the process week by week and said he hopes he may be able to play sometime in October. Last season, Söderström returned only in February, played five regular-season games and was part of Skellefteå’s run to an SM-guld.

Key Facts

  • Linus Söderström is 30 years old and is identified as Skellefteå’s star goaltender.
  • Söderström missed the start of the 2026/27 SHL season; this is the second year in a row he has missed the opening of the campaign.
  • He has undergone a surgical procedure similar to last year’s operation, but on his other foot this time.
  • Söderström began skating again a few weeks before speaking to TV4 and is working to reintegrate on-ice movements.
  • He said he chose to have the operation earlier this year in the hope of an earlier return and that he ” wanted to get it done” as soon as possible.
  • Last season he did not return to the ice until February, played five regular-season games and was part of Skellefteå’s Swedish Championship gold (SM-guld) later in the spring.
  • Söderström has won three SM-guld in his career: 2017, 2024 and 2026.
  • On his timetable for this season, Söderström said he prefers to take the rehab week by week and suggested he ” maybe can play sometime in October,” while stressing he dislikes setting fixed dates.

IHM Discussion

Söderström’s comments underline a cautious, process-driven approach to recovery. He contrasts this year’s decision to operate earlier with a rehabilitation attempt last summer that did not go well, saying he did not hesitate when a similar situation arose. His focus is on movement patterns in the operated area and on avoiding the pressure of committing to calendar dates. That approach reflects last season’s delayed return, when he resumed in February and played five regular-season games before contributing to Skellefteå’s title success. The earlier operation may give him a better chance of returning sooner, but his own language puts prudence ahead of speed.

Why It Matters

Söderström is a Skellefteå star and a proven playoff performer. A fully fit return in October would give the reigning champions another experienced option in goal, while a longer absence would require them to continue without one of their three-time Swedish champions. His preference for movement quality over preset return dates points to a recovery process built around readiness rather than a rushed comeback.

Mini Q&A

Why is Linus Söderström missing the start of the SHL season?

He is rehabbing after undergoing surgery on the other foot; it is a similar type of procedure to last year’s operation but performed on the opposite foot.

When did he begin on-ice work?

Söderström said he began skating a few weeks ago and is working his way back on the ice.

Has he had this kind of operation before?

Yes; he had a comparable operation last year and this year’s procedure is similar in many ways, though on the other foot.

What is his expected return timetable?

He is avoiding fixed dates but said he is taking rehabilitation week by week and hopes he ” maybe can play sometime in October.”

How did last season’s comeback go?

Last season he did not return until February, played five regular-season games and was part of Skellefteå’s eventual SM-guld that spring.

How many Swedish Championship golds has Söderström won?

He has won three SM-guld in his career: 2017, 2024 and 2026.

What Comes Next

Söderström is progressing week by week in his rehabilitation and said he hopes he may be able to play sometime in October. October is a possibility, not a fixed return date.

IHM Final View

Linus Söderström has undergone surgery on his other foot, resumed skating and is rebuilding carefully. After returning late last season and helping Skellefteå secure an SM-guld, an earlier comeback would be welcome, but he has been clear that he will not force a timetable. An October return remains possible, not guaranteed.

Björklöven light up Globen after 25-year wait

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Björklöven’s long-awaited return to Stockholm’s Globen unfolded as a party rather than an occasion marked by anxiety. A banner in the crowd declared “25 år av misär – nu är vi här” as the visitors dominated the early phases and created several high-quality chances. The breakthrough came in the closing seconds of the first period when Djurgården goaltender Magnus Hellberg let a puck slip from a poor angle, sparking major celebrations among Björklöven supporters. The match, played in front of just over 14,000 spectators, also featured clear chances for Oscar Tellström and Robin Kovacs, while Grewe logged just over one minute of ice time in the first period after being listed as the 13th forward.

Key Facts

  • Björklöven returned to play at Globen amid large celebrations and a supporter banner reading “25 år av misär – nu är vi här”.
  • The match was attended by just over 14,000 spectators, with the majority supporting the home side, Djurgården.
  • Björklöven created several early chances, while Oscar Tellström and Robin Kovacs each had a clear opportunity alone with the goaltender.
  • The decisive moment of the first period came with five seconds remaining, when Magnus Hellberg spilled a puck from a poor angle and Björklöven scored.
  • Grewe, listed as the 13th forward, recorded only just over one minute of ice time after 20 minutes.
  • The writer observed that Björklöven opened like a newly promoted side, keeping things simple defensively and finding space behind Djurgården’s defence.
  • Djurgården looked unsettled early, making repeated puck-handling errors and poor decisions five-on-five, while some of their better sequences came while down a man.

IHM Discussion

The atmosphere around Björklöven’s return was the dominant storyline. The crowd’s emotion – made literal by the banner proclaiming two-and-a-half decades of hardship – fed into the visitors’ energetic opening and several clear chances. Djurgården looked unsettled early, repeatedly rushing plays and mishandling the puck at five-on-five. Hellberg’s spill from a difficult angle with five seconds left in the period gave Björklöven the breakthrough and sharpened the contrast between the teams at that stage. Grewe’s limited ice time after 20 minutes, despite being listed as the 13th forward, also reflected the first-period deployment. For a supporter base that has endured failed promotion attempts and long trips away from Stockholm, the moment carried obvious emotional weight, while Djurgården were left with questions over their composure and attention to detail at five-on-five.

Why It Matters

Björklöven’s return and the atmosphere around it give the early season added emotional weight for both clubs. For Björklöven, an energetic start and a late first-period breakthrough offer encouragement. For Djurgården, the performance was a warning that loose puck management and errors at five-on-five can quickly become costly if they continue. A Globen crowd of more than 14,000 underlined the occasion’s significance.

Mini Q&A

What banner did Björklöven supporters display in Globen?

Supporters displayed a banner reading “25 år av misär – nu är vi här”.

How did the first-period goal come about?

With five seconds left in the first period, Magnus Hellberg spilled a puck from a poor angle and Björklöven scored.

Which players had clear chances early on?

Oscar Tellström and Robin Kovacs each had a separate clear opportunity early in the match.

What was the reported attendance?

The match was played in front of just over 14,000 spectators, the majority supporting the home team.

Coach Mark Comment

Björklöven’s early approach was sensible: keep the game simple, defend with discipline and use the energy of the occasion without becoming reckless. Djurgården’s concern was not merely the late goal but the number of rushed plays before it. Against an opponent playing with that level of emotion, clean exits and calm decisions with the puck are essential.

IHM Final View

This was a night that belonged to Björklöven’s supporters as much as to the players. The emotional release of the late first-period goal captured a long-awaited return to Swedish hockey’s top tier and rewarded an energetic, uncomplicated opening. Djurgården’s season opener raised questions about their five-on-five composure under early pressure. They have experience in the squad and an important goaltender in Magnus Hellberg, but their start in Globen was uneven.

Confusion in Luleå as goal stands despite six-man call

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

A moment of confusion early in the second period between Luleå and Rögle left coaches, players and the crowd puzzled after a video review both awarded a goal to Luleå and identified six players on the ice. Referee Mikael Sjöqvist announced that the puck was in the net, and that Luleå had been six men on the ice; the sanction was to be carried out despite the goal standing. The incident was explained live to viewers at Coop Norrbotten Arena. Luleå recovered from an early deficit to win 4-2, with Joona Koppanen completing a hat-trick and Markus Nurmi also on the scoresheet; Rögle’s goals came from Karson Kuhlman and Nate Clurman. The period breakdown was (0-2, 3-0, 1-0).

Key Facts

  • Match: Luleå – Rögle, final score 4-2.
  • Period scores: (0-2, 3-0, 1-0).
  • Referee Mikael Sjöqvist announced after video review that the puck had crossed the line and that Luleå had six players on the ice.
  • Sjöqvist said the clock should be adjusted and that the penalty would be executed despite the goal standing.
  • Joona Koppanen completed a hat-trick for Luleå; Markus Nurmi scored the other Luleå goal.
  • Rögle’s goals were scored by Karson Kuhlman and Nate Clurman.
  • The goal and subsequent enforcement of the too-many-players penalty was an unusual sequence.

IHM Discussion

The incident combined two events rarely seen together: a video-review confirmation that the puck had crossed the goal line and a too-many-players penalty against Luleå. Sjöqvist explained that the whistle was delayed because it was unclear whether the puck had entered the net. After the goal was confirmed, officials ruled that Luleå had six players on the ice and ordered the penalty to be served. The unusual sequence left the crowd at Coop Norrbotten Arena confused.

Why It Matters

Beyond the immediate oddity, the episode matters because it underlines how timing and procedure in stoppages can affect game administration. The ruling kept the goal on the scoresheet while still enforcing the rules on player numbers, and the match proceeded with that unusual combination of outcomes. For teams and officials, such a sequence highlights the importance of clarity in review protocols and communication to players and spectators.

Mini Q&A

What caused the confusion in the Luleå – Rögle game?

A video review concluded the puck had crossed the line and thus a goal was awarded to Luleå, while officials simultaneously identified that Luleå had six players on the ice and ordered a penalty to be executed – an unusual combination that left people confused.

What did referee Mikael Sjöqvist say on air?

Sjöqvist said, after video review, that the puck was in the net and that Luleå had six players on the ice; the clock should be adjusted and the penalty executed, with a powerplay for Rögle and the goal standing for Luleå.

Who scored in the match?

Joona Koppanen (hat-trick) and Markus Nurmi scored for Luleå; Karson Kuhlman and Nate Clurman scored for Rögle.

What was the final score and period breakdown?

Luleå beat Rögle 4-2, with period scores of (0-2, 3-0, 1-0).

Coach Mark Comment

The key coaching point is bench awareness. When a whistle is delayed around a possible goal, players still need to manage changes cleanly; unusual rulings are easier to handle when both benches receive a clear explanation.

IHM Final View

The episode in Luleå was an uncommon sequence: a goal was confirmed after review and a too-many-players penalty was then enforced. It surprised those in the arena, while Joona Koppanen’s hat-trick and Luleå’s comeback secured a 4-2 victory.

Filander forced into early timeout as Färjestad rout Örebro

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Martin Filander, 45, was Örebro’s head coach for the SHL season opener against Färjestad and took his first timeout as Örebro coach when Färjestad had made it 3-0 in the 13th minute. Axel Bergkvist scored to make it 3-0 at 12:43 of the first period, assisted by Oskar Steen and Radim Zohorna. Färjestad completed a comprehensive 7-0 victory, the scoreboard reading 4-0 after the first period, 2-0 in the second and 1-0 in the third. Three of Färjestad’s goals arrived on the power play.

Key Facts

  • Martin Filander was Örebro’s head coach for the SHL season opener against Färjestad.
  • When Färjestad made it 3-0 in the 13th minute, Martin Filander took his first timeout as Örebro head coach.
  • Axel Bergkvist scored the 3-0 goal at 12:43 of the first period; the goal was assisted by Oskar Steen and Radim Zohorna.
  • Färjestad won the match 7-0 with period scores 4-0, 2-0 and 1-0.
  • Three of Färjestad’s goals were scored on the power play.
  • TV4 commentator Stefan Klemetz described it as a tough first period in which Färjestad capitalised on their power-play chances.

IHM Discussion

The result underlines how decisive special teams can be in an opening fixture. Färjestad converted repeatedly with the man advantage and built a multi-goal lead inside the opening quarter of an hour, forcing an early timeout from Filander as he sought to halt the momentum. Bergkvist’s first-period strike – supplied by Steen and Zohorna – came at the end of a damaging spell that set the tone for the rest of the game. A 7-0 final score with a 4-0 first period leaves little room for optimism in terms of defensive shape or in-game adjustments from Örebro on this occasion.

Why It Matters

A heavy defeat in the season opener is an immediate test for a coach. Örebro conceded three power-play goals as Färjestad established control of the match. How Örebro responds will offer an early indication of Filander’s approach to momentum swings and penalty-kill structure, while Färjestad will take confidence from a dominant power-play performance.

Lindholm ready for Frölunda opener as Clark receives clearance

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Frölunda have received two positive squad updates ahead of their league opener. New signing Graeme Clark has been cleared by Migrationsverket to be available, while Lindholm – who injured his foot in April – has returned to the squad and is training in a line with Oskar Olausson and Nicklas Lasu. Head coach Robert Ohlsson said Lindholm’s rehabilitation has exceeded expectations after the club had projected a return later in the autumn.

Key Facts

  • New signing Graeme Clark has received clearance from Migrationsverket to play in the opener.
  • Lindholm injured his foot during training in April.
  • The club had expected Lindholm to return later in the autumn, with Robert Ohlsson describing mid-November as a reasonable target.
  • Lindholm disagreed with the initial projection and texted Ohlsson examples of players who had returned after four and a half months.
  • After rehabilitating through the summer, Lindholm is back in the squad and training with Oskar Olausson and Nicklas Lasu ahead of Saturday’s league opener.
  • Lindholm described the recovery as a tough journey, saying everyday tasks became difficult and the uncertainty was challenging.
  • Two other Frölunda players will miss the opener through injury, but both are expected back shortly.

IHM Discussion

The updates improve Frölunda’s options ahead of the opener. Clark’s clearance removes an administrative obstacle, while Lindholm’s return gives the coaching staff another forward option sooner than initially expected. Ohlsson’s comments underline how quickly an individual rehabilitation timeline can change, while Lindholm’s own description reflects the challenge of recovering from a foot injury. Two other Frölunda players remain unavailable through injury but are expected back shortly.

Why It Matters

Clark can now begin his Frölunda season from the opener, while Lindholm’s return gives Ohlsson another forward training with Olausson and Lasu. That creates more flexibility as the season begins.

Mini Q&A

Who has been cleared to play for Frölunda in the opener?

Graeme Clark received clearance from Migrationsverket to play in the premiär.

What is Lindholm’s current status?

Lindholm, who injured his foot in April, is back in the squad and training with Oskar Olausson and Nicklas Lasu ahead of Saturday’s league opener.

Did Lindholm and coach Robert Ohlsson agree on his return timetable?

No. The club had set a conservative return around mid-November, but Lindholm disagreed and texted Ohlsson saying that forecast was wrong; Ohlsson later said Lindholm’s rehab exceeded expectations.

Are there other injured players missing the opener?

Yes. Two other Frölunda players will miss the opener through injury, and both are expected back shortly.

Coach Mark Comment

Lindholm’s return is encouraging, but the key is rebuilding game rhythm after a lengthy absence. Training with Olausson and Lasu gives the coaching staff a useful starting point as they assess how quickly he can be reintegrated.

What Comes Next

Frölunda enter Saturday’s league opener with Clark cleared to play and Lindholm back training with the squad. The club expects its two other injured absentees to return shortly.

IHM Final View

Frölunda’s pre-match outlook has improved. Clark’s administrative clearance and Lindholm’s earlier-than-expected return give Ohlsson more options as the season begins, despite two remaining injury absences.

Färjestad benches new signing Sebastian Cederle for opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad will bench new signing Sebastian Cederle for Saturday’s season opener after reporting full availability among its 14 forwards. Head coach Cam Abbott said the squad has been healthy through pre-season and that selection will be difficult; he added that the club will reassess the situation on Tuesday. Cederle, who joined from HK Nitra after a 13+19 season in 53 games, was one of two forwards rotated into the side at the final training session before the opener. The club says one forward will be benched and another will sit in the stands for the game.

Key Facts

  • Färjestad reports all 14 forwards are available for the season opener.
  • With full depth available, one forward will be benched and one will sit in the stands for the match.
  • Head coach Cam Abbott said: ” Everyone has done a good job throughout the pre-season. Right now we are healthy and it will be a tough decision. We have four games in eight days and we will make a new decision on Tuesday.”
  • New signing Sebastian Cederle will be benched for the opener.
  • At the final training session before the opener, Cederle was one of two forwards rotated into the team.
  • Cederle transferred from HK Nitra, where he registered 13 goals and 19 assists in 53 games last season.
  • Cederle played at the World Championship and recorded 2+1 in that tournament.

IHM Discussion

Färjestad’s decision to bench a recent acquisition for the opener underlines the competition in its forward group. With 14 forwards available, the coaching staff must make difficult selection calls, while Abbott’s reference to four games in eight days leaves scope for another decision on Tuesday. Cederle arrives from HK Nitra after producing 13 goals and 19 assists in 53 games last season, and he also recorded 2+1 at the World Championship. His opening-night status reflects the immediate competition for places rather than any reported availability issue.

Why It Matters

For Cederle, the opening selection decision means he must wait for his first opportunity with Färjestad. For the club, it illustrates the competition across the forward group ahead of a stretch of four games in eight days. Tuesday is the next stated point at which the coaching staff will revisit its selection.

Mini Q&A

Why is Sebastian Cederle benched for the opener?

Färjestad reports all 14 forwards are available, creating a selection decision; coach Cam Abbott called the choice a tough one and indicated it is a consequence of having a healthy, competitive forward group.

What are Cederle’s recent statistics?

Cederle recorded 13 goals and 19 assists in 53 games for HK Nitra last season and logged 2+1 at the World Championship.

Did the club give a timetable for revisiting the decision?

Yes. Abbott said the coaching staff will take a new decision on Tuesday.

Does the benching reflect an injury?

No. The club reports the squad is healthy and all 14 forwards are available.

What Comes Next

Cam Abbott said the club will make a new selection decision on Tuesday; that is the next explicit checkpoint the team has given for the forward group selection.

Five Finnish players to watch as SHL season opens

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Five Finnish players are in focus as the SHL season opens on Saturday. Otto Kivenmäki has signed a two-year deal with Timrå IK after scoring 134 points for SaiPa across the past two seasons, including playoffs. Max Westergård returned to Frölunda’s senior group in February after a loan to Björklöven and a strong U20 World Championship. Matias Mäntykivi left Ilves for a two-year contract with Växjö Lakers, while Anton Levtchi enters his third Swedish season with Luleå after overcoming heart-rate problems last December and scoring an overtime quarter-final goal against Frölunda HC in the playoffs. Robin Salo signed for Örebro HK on a two-year deal after recording 40 points for Malmö Redhawks and is expected to take on a major leadership role, including the captaincy.

Key Facts

  • Five Finnish players are worth watching as the SHL starts on Saturday.
  • Otto Kivenmäki signed a two-year contract with Timrå IK.
  • Kivenmäki scored 134 points for SaiPa across the past two seasons, playoffs included.
  • SHL is described as a notable step up in quality from Liiga, presenting a greater physical and skating challenge.
  • Max Westergård is a Tappara youth product who has spent three junior seasons with Frölunda. He was loaned to Björklöven in HockeyAllsvenskan and returned to Frölunda’s senior group in February after strong U20 World Championship performances.
  • Matias Mäntykivi played five seasons in Tampere and was among Ilves’ leading scorers before signing a two-year deal with Växjö Lakers.
  • Växjö Lakers have Eemeli Suomi on their roster and the club will be aiming for a fifth Swedish championship.
  • Anton Levtchi, 30, is entering his third season in Sweden with Luleå. He experienced unusual heart-rate problems in December last season but scored an overtime quarter-final goal against Frölunda HC in the SHL playoffs.
  • Robin Salo was Malmö Redhawks’ third-most-productive skater last season with 40 points and ranked sixth among SHL defencemen; he signed a two-year contract with Örebro HK.
  • Salo is from Espoo and a Vaasan Sport youth product. He previously played for Örebro between 2019 and 2021 before moving to North America.
  • Örebro HK plans to give the 27-year-old Salo a significant leadership role for the coming season, including the captain’s armband. He has not previously held a captaincy role.

IHM Discussion

The five profiles combine forward creativity, leadership additions and a defenceman taking on a prominent role. Otto Kivenmäki’s move to Timrå IK is the clearest headline: 134 points over two seasons is a striking measure of form at Liiga level, and the move will test whether he can carry that production into the SHL. Max Westergård’s path has been more incremental, taking in junior success, a HockeyAllsvenskan loan and a return to Frölunda’s senior group. Matias Mäntykivi joins Växjö as a proven Ilves scorer alongside Eemeli Suomi. Anton Levtchi’s profile reflects both his health issues last December and the playoff goal that showed his finishing touch. Salo arrives at Örebro with prior experience of the club and is expected to shoulder substantial leadership responsibility.

Why It Matters

Kivenmäki will be tested against stronger skating and battling opponents, while Mäntykivi joins a Växjö side pursuing a fifth Swedish championship. Levtchi’s form matters to Luleå’s ambitions, and Salo’s leadership role adds another dimension to Örebro’s plans. Westergård, meanwhile, will be looking to establish himself in Frölunda’s regular line-up.

Mini Q&A

Who are the five Finnish players in focus?

Max Westergård, Otto Kivenmäki, Matias Mäntykivi, Anton Levtchi and Robin Salo.

Where did Otto Kivenmäki sign?

Kivenmäki signed a two-year contract with Timrå IK.

How many points did Kivenmäki score for SaiPa over the past two seasons?

He scored 134 points across the past two seasons, including playoffs.

What role is Robin Salo expected to take at Örebro HK?

Örebro plans to give Salo a major leadership role, including the captain’s armband. He has not previously held a captaincy role.

Which player joined Växjö Lakers and what is the club aiming for?

Matias Mäntykivi signed a two-year deal with Växjö Lakers, who are targeting a fifth Swedish championship.

Coach Mark Comment

Kivenmäki’s transition will be measured by how quickly he adjusts to the SHL’s pace and physical battles. For Salo, a leadership role will place added value on clear communication and consistency on the ice.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is the SHL season opener on Saturday, when these signings and role changes will begin to be tested in competitive play.

IHM Final View

These five players offer different reasons to follow the SHL season: Kivenmäki’s scoring test at Timrå, Westergård’s push for a regular Frölunda place, Mäntykivi’s move to Växjö, Levtchi’s importance to Luleå and Salo’s leadership opportunity at Örebro.

Bäckström faces uncertain return as Brynäs open season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Nicklas Bäckström is in extensive rehabilitation at Sand Clinic and will miss Brynäs IF’s season opener away to the reigning champions. He has had two hip operations, but the current problem is described as the follow-on effects those surgeries have had on the rest of his body rather than the hip itself. Brynäs have an agreement with Sand Clinic. Bäckström said he regretted not having had the operation earlier. He recorded 30 points in 45 SHL games for Brynäs in 2025/26. It is unclear when – or whether – he will be able to play again.

Key Facts

  • Central subject: Nicklas Bäckström, Brynäs IF player.
  • Bäckström is undergoing extensive rehabilitation at Sand Clinic; Brynäs IF has an agreement with the clinic.
  • He has had two hip operations; current issues are described as follow-on effects on the rest of his body rather than the hip itself.
  • Bäckström said he regretted not having had the operation earlier.
  • He will be absent from Brynäs’ season opener away to the reigning champions.
  • Bäckström recorded 30 points in 45 SHL games for Brynäs in 2025/26.
  • It is unclear when – or whether – he will be able to play again.

IHM Discussion

Bäckström’s rehabilitation and the uncertainty around his return leave Brynäs without an experienced player for the opening match and potentially longer. The current issue is described as effects on the rest of his body following two hip operations, rather than the hip itself, underlining the complexity of his recovery. His 30 points in 45 SHL games last season show the production Brynäs are missing, while his own regret over the timing of surgery adds a personal dimension to an uncertain situation.

Why It Matters

Bäckström’s 30 points in 45 SHL games last season made him an important contributor for Brynäs. With his return uncertain, the club must manage his absence while he continues rehabilitation.

Mini Q&A

What is the nature of Bäckström’s problem?

He has undergone two hip operations; the current issue is described as the follow-on effects those surgeries have had on the rest of his body rather than the hip itself.

Where is he receiving treatment?

Bäckström is rehabilitating at Sand Clinic; Brynäs IF has an agreement with the clinic.

Will he play in the season opener?

No. He will be absent from Brynäs’ season opener away to the reigning champions.

Did Bäckström comment on his situation?

Yes. He said he regretted not having had the operation earlier.

How productive was he last season?

Bäckström recorded 30 points in 45 SHL games for Brynäs in 2025/26.

What Comes Next

Bäckström will miss Brynäs’ opening match away to the reigning champions. His rehabilitation at Sand Clinic continues, with no clear timetable for a return.

Mattias Tedenby turns down HV71’s six-week offer

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Mattias Tedenby has turned down a six-week contract extension from HV71 after joining the club on a short-term deal during the pre-season, sporting director Johan Hult confirms. HV71 say they cannot currently offer the 36-year-old a full-season contract because of their present forward numbers and are monitoring a handful of injuries that could change the situation. Hult says the club will continue talks and has not closed the door on a return.

Key Facts

  • Mattias Tedenby played on a short-term contract with HV71 during the pre-season.
  • HV71 offered Tedenby a six-week extension, which he declined, according to sporting director Johan Hult.
  • Johan Hult said: “Unfortunately, Mattias turned it down. We have enormous respect for Mattias and his situation. We will continue to have a dialogue, and then we will see what happens for Mattias and for us going forward.”
  • The club says it cannot currently offer the club icon a contract for the whole season.
  • Hult noted the team must respect and take into account its current numbers on the forward side and that there are some injuries the club wants to assess further.
  • Hult said: “Mattias is a fantastic person, both on and off the ice. Definitely no doors are closed.”
  • The 36-year-old forward left HV71 in the spring after his contract expired, but rejoined the club because of injuries among HV71’s forwards.

IHM Discussion

HV71’s position, as outlined by Johan Hult, frames the situation around roster numbers and uncertainty over injured forwards. The club offered a six-week extension rather than a full-season deal while it assesses how those injuries develop. Tedenby declined the offer, but Hult stressed that dialogue will continue and that no doors are closed. HV71 therefore retain the option of revisiting the situation if their forward needs change.

Why It Matters

For HV71, the decision preserves flexibility while the club assesses injuries and its forward depth. For Tedenby, the short-term offer is off the table for now, but Hult’s comments leave open the prospect of further discussions if the club’s circumstances change.

Mini Q&A

What offer did HV71 make to Mattias Tedenby?

HV71 offered Tedenby a six-week contract extension after he had been with the club on a short-term pre-season deal.

Did Tedenby accept the offer?

No. Sporting director Johan Hult confirmed that Tedenby declined the six-week extension.

Why is HV71 not offering a full-season contract right now?

Hult said the club currently cannot offer a full-season contract because of the numbers on their forward roster and because they want to assess several existing injuries further.

Is a return to HV71 still possible for Tedenby?

Yes. Hult said there are ” definitely no doors that are closed” and that the club will continue to have a dialogue with Tedenby.

What is Tedenby’s age as stated in the source?

Tedenby is described as 36 years old.

What Comes Next

HV71 will continue its dialogue with Mattias Tedenby while assessing how its injured forwards progress. Hult has left the door open to revisiting the situation.