SHL 2025/26 Preview

11 Sep 2025Ella Lundqvist»

The Swedish Hockey League returns this Saturday, promising another season of tight battles, new faces, and high expectations. From rebuilding projects to title contenders, every team enters with questions to answer and points to prove.

As the puck drops on the 2025/26 SHL season, storylines are already taking shape across the league. Some clubs have reinforced with marquee signings, bringing world-class talent back to Sweden. Nicklas Bäckström’s homecoming is one of the most anticipated moments in recent league history, while Jakub Vrána adds proven NHL scoring touch that could tilt the balance for his new team. Elsewhere, squads are relying on homegrown prospects, stability, or system changes to find success. At the bottom, financial constraints and roster gaps could spell trouble, while at the top, experienced lineups and bold coaching moves set the stage for a thrilling race. Here’s a team-by-team look at what to expect this year.

14. Leksands IF

The team lacks offensive reinforcements and struggles with a tight budget. Expect difficulties generating scoring depth.

13. Örebro HK

Without standout acquisitions, Örebro may struggle to sharpen their edge, and defensive stability could take a hit.

12. Malmö Redhawks

New additions on the blue line strengthen the defense, but financial constraints limit their roster depth and flexibility.

11. Timrå IK

The defensive corps is a mixed bag experience-wise, some top talent has departed, but solid goaltending remains a key asset.

10. Linköping HC

Injuries to key players could hamper consistency. The head coach brings playing experience but lacks significant coaching track record.

9. HV71

A solid foundation with reliable goaltending, but questions remain about whether they can consistently compete at the top.

8. Djurgårdens IF

Young defensemen face high pressure, though experienced leaders provide guidance and stability on and off the ice.

7. Rögle BK

Strong new signings improve the roster, but uncertainty lingers around the top forward line and chemistry.

6. Växjö Lakers

Losing key profiles has created some defensive vulnerability, leaving questions about consistency in tight games.

5. Skellefteå AIK

A veteran lineup gives them experience, but the team’s success may hinge on how well new acquisitions perform.

4. Brynäs IF

Solid signings add quality, yet losing heavy-hitting defensemen and limited depth could create challenges over a long season.

Can the 2025 champions Luleå defend the title?

3. Luleå HF

New additions such as Oscar Engsund, Heikki Liedes and Filip Eriksson bolster the squad, but the departure of star players leaves a gap in scoring and leadership. Will star players Linus Omark and Brendan Shinnimin return to the team?

2. Färjestad BK

The roster is strengthened overall with players like Ronald Knot, Luke Philp, Radim Zohorna and Emil Larmi, but injuries to key defenseman Magnus Nygren may test their defensive structure.

1. Frölunda

Coaching changes, where Robert Ohlsson replaces long-term coach Roger Rönnberg, introduce uncertainty, but a strong roster positions them as our favorites; injuries could still impact performance. New star players on the roster are Jere Innala, Theodor Niederbach and Max Lindholm.