After a season of dominance by Växjö it'll all start anew this Saturday. With a lot of player movement no one knows what'll happen.
I'll give you my view on things and try to explain any questions you have below. So here comes my preview of the 2018-19 season:
Opening gameday:
Saturday 15 September 2018:
15:15 Frölunda-Djurgården
15:15 Mora-Örebro
15:15 Linköping-Timrå
18:00 Skellefteå-Rögle
18:00 Luleå-Brynäs
18:00 Färjestad-HV71
Malmö and Växjö will play their first games on Thursday, their game got postponed due to renovations in the Malmö Arena.
Thursday 20 September 2018:
19:00 Mora-Malmö
19:00 Timrå-Växjö
There are more games on Thursday but I've only listed the opening game for every team.
Reigning Champions: Växjö Lakers
Reigning regular season Champions: Växjö Lakers
Last years MVP: Elias Pettersson, Växjö Lakers
Last years point scoring winner: Elias Pettersson, Växjö Lakers
Newly promoted side: Timrå IK
Relegated side: Karlskrona HK
Favorite to win this year: Växjö
Favorites to lead in points:
Ryan Lasch, Frölunda
Joakim Lindström, Skellefteå
Broc Little, Linköping
Note before reading: Keep in mind some things are just my opinion and I don't know 100% about every team, I also might show some bias for Växjö, since that's the team I'm a fan of, even if I try not to.
Another note: there will be a lack of explanations (in the original post) because of size of the post, but also because of the time it would take to add. If you have questions submit them in the comments.
Pretty much all data taken from EliteProspects.
Last season: Finished 10th in the regular season and lost to the would be champions in the Quarterfinals
Number of championships: 13
Arena: Gavlerinken arena, capacity 7909
Head Coach: Tommy Sjödin
Captain: Jacob Blomqvist
Players in:
Joacim Eriksson, G, Djurgården
Tomi Karhunen, G, Ambri-Piotta
Niclas Andersén, D, Jokerit
Niclas Lundgren, D, Linköping
Eric Norin, D, AIK
Nicklas Danielsson, F, Lausanne
Robert Kousal, F, Davos
Danny Kristo, F, Dynamo Riga
Joel Kellman, F, Karlskrona
Joachim Rohdin, F, Karlskrona
Emil Forslund, F, Tingsryd
Players out:
Linus Fernström, G, Medvescak Zagreb
Lucas Carlsson, D, Chicago
Adam Boqvist, D, London Knights
Jörgen Sundqvist, D, Retired
Elias Fälth, D, No team yet
Linus Ölund, F, Pittsburgh
Juuso Ikonen, F, Washington
Kevin Clark, F, Dinamo Riga
Christopher Liljewall, F, Södertälje
Aaron Palushaj, F, Örebro
Daniel Paille, F, Long term injury
5 Notable players:
David Rautio, G
Most loaded games: The games against SHL-returnee Timrå
First game of the season: Luleå away
My prediction:
Brynäs will have a tough battle in the middle of the table hoping to make the playoffs. Their defense is looking very good but the rest of the team is rather lacking in talent. And they don't really look that much better than last year. I predict that they'll finish at 9th place.
Last season: Finished 2nd in the regular season after a surprisingly good campaign, lost in the semifinals against Skellefteå.
Number of championships: 16
Arena: Hovet, capacity 8094 and Globen 13850
Head Coach: Robert Ohlsson
Captain: Andreas Engqvist
Players in:
Robin Jensen, G, Pantern
Bobbo Petersson, D, Karlskrona
Olle Alsing, D, Leksand
Robin Norell, D, Chicago
Dick Axelsson, F, Färjestad
Jacob Josefson, F, Buffalo
Manuel Ågren, F, Oskarshamn
Emil Bemström, F, Leksand
Jakob Lilja, F, Linköping
Daniel Widing, F, Rögle
Players out:
Joacim Eriksson, G, Brynäs
William Lagesson, D, Edmonton
Alexander Falk, D, Timrå Marcus Högström, D, Calgary
Linus Johansson, F, Färjestad
Calle Ridderwall, F, Düsseldorf
Patrik Lundh, F, Kunlun Red Star
Axel Jonsson Fjällby, F, Washington
Lukas Vejdemo, F, Montreal
Jonathan Davidsson, F, Columbus
René Bourque, F, Retired
Mikael Ahlén, F, Södertälje
Markus Ljungh, F, HV71
5 Notable players:
Most loaded games: The games against Frölunda and Färjestad
First game of the season: Frölunda away
My prediction:
Djurgården has the strongest team they've had in ages, with Josefson returning home from the NHL Djurgården can't finish outside the top 3. I have Djurgården as number 2 and I think the battle for first will be much closer this year than last season.
Last season: 3rd in the regular season but dropped out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals against Malmö.
Number of championships: 4
Arena: Scandinavium, capacity 12 044
Head Coach: Roger Rönnberg
Captain: Joel Lundqvist
Players in:
Gustav Lindström, D, Almtuna
Viktor Ekbom, D, Örebro
Chay Genoway, D, Lada Togliatti
Anders Grönlund, D, Pantern,
Rhett Rakhshani, F, Malmö
Patrik Carlsson, F, IFK Helsingfors
Tim Söderlund, F, Skellefteå
Players out:
Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo
Matt Donovan, D, Milwaukee
Adam Almquist, D, Bern
Adam Pardy, D, Newfoundland
Filip Westerlund, D, Björklöven (loan)
Jan Mursak, F, Bern
Victor Olofsson, F, Buffalo
Pontus Widerström, F, Zug
Oliwer Fjellström, F, Björklöven (loan)
Jesper Emanuelsson, F, Björklöven (loan)
5 Notable players:
Chay Genoway, D
Ryan Lasch, F
Most loaded games: As always the games against Färjestad.
First game of the season: Djurgården at home
My prediction:
Not looking as good as usual but they still have a very good core in place, with some luck they'll be back at the top but I see them having to battle for a top 6 finish. I have them at 6th.
Last season: Finished 4th in the regular season and dropped out against Skellefteå in the quarterfinals
Number of championships: 9
Arena: Löfbergs arena, capacity 8500
Head Coach: Johan Pennerborn
Captain: Alexander Johansson
Players in:
Markus Svensson, G, Spartak Moskva
Adam Werner, G, Björklöven
Robin Press, D, Indy Fuel
Linus Johansson, F, Djurgården
Axel Ottosson, F, Björklöven
Daniel Viksten, F, Örebro,
Jesper Olofsson, F, Skellefteå
Tomi Sallinen, F, Kloten
Players out:
Lars Haugen, G, Klagenfurt
Stefan Steen, G, Örebro
Olle Eriksson Ek, G, Karlskoga (loan)
Lucas Nordsäter, D, Leksand
Morgan Ellis, D, Köln
Niklas Fogström, F, Storhamar
Linus Persson, F, Leksand
Christoffer Törngren, F, HV71
Michael Lindqvist, F, NY Rangers
Rasmus Asplund, F, Buffalo
Dick Axelsson, F, Djurgården
5 Notable players:
Johan Ryno, F
Most loaded games: The games against Frölunda as usual
First game of the season: HV71 at home
My prediction:
I have Färjestad at about the level they showed last year, the team is looking good even if they lost some forward pieces. I think they'll be in the top 3 and I think they'll be a tough contender for the championship. My prediction 3rd.
Last season: 8th in the regular season and lost in the 8th-final
Number of championships: 5
Arena: Kinnarps arena, capacity 7 000
Head Coach: Johan Lindbom
Captain: Martin Thörnberg
Players in:
Jonas Gunnarsson, G, Malmö
Nils Andersson, D, Malmö
Markus Lauridsen, D, München
Martin Fehervary, D, Oskarshamn
Didrik Strömberg, D, Timrå
Mikko Lehtonen, D, Tappara
Joakim Andersson, F, Örebro
Markus Ljungh, F, Djurgården
Johan Johnsson, F, Timrå
Christoffer Törngren, F, Färjestad
Simon Önerud, F, Sibir Novosibirsk
Andreas Thuresson, F, Langnau
Andreas Falk, F, Luleå
Players out:
Fredrik Pettersson Wentzel, G, Düsseldorf
Linus Söderström, G, NY Islanders
Lawrence Pilut, D, Buffalo
Fredrik Styrman, D, Luleå
Topi Jaakola, D, TPS Åbo
Tom Hedberg, D, Modo
Stefan Elliott, D, Pittsburgh
Erik Brännström, D, Vegas
Marc Zanetti, D, Dinamo Riga
Kevin Stenlund, F, Columbus
Victor Ejdsell, F, Chicago
Pierre Engvall, F, Toronto
Bill Sweatt, F, Retired
David Ullström, F, Arizona
Max Wärn, F, No team
Erik Andersson, F, Rögle
5 Notable players:
Most loaded games: The Smålandderbys against Växjö
First game of the season: Färjestad away
My prediction:
A crazy roster turnover that in my opinion will lead them back to the top of the table. With some luck the can contend but if there's roster doesn't click it might be to look downwards in the table as well. My prediction is 4th.
Last season: 9th in the regular season and dropped out in the quarterfinals against Djurgården.
Number of championships: 0.
Arena: Saab arena, capacity 8 500
Head Coach: Tommy Jonsson
Captain: Eddie Larsson
Players in:
Mattias Bäckman, D, Kloten
Lukas Bengtsson, D, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Adam Brodecki, F, Växjö
Broc Little, F, Davos
Filip Karlsson, F, Rögle
Joe Whitney, F, Hershey
James Wright, F, Barys Astana
Dan Pettersson, F, Västervik
Players out:
Niclas Lundgren, D, Brynäs
Kristian Näkyvä, D, Örebro
Emil Sylvegård, F, Malmö
Henrik Törnqvist, F, Timrå
Ken Andre Olimb, F, Düsseldorf
Mathis Olimb, F, Skellefteå
Tony Mårtensson, F, Almtuna
Jakob Lilja, F, Djurgården
Niklas Persson, F, Retired
5 Notable players:
Chad Billins, D
Derek Roy, F
Broc Little, F
Most loaded games: The HV71 games have always been very important for Linköping
First game of the season: Timrå at home
My prediction:
Linköping is very hard to place, they have some truly amazing players like Roy and Little that can carry them anywhere. But they've also been on a rough patch for the last few years and I'm not sure they've really made a roster solid enough to get out of that patch. My prediction is 10th, they'll probably make the playoffs but it's hard to see them climb much higher as of now.
Last season: Finished 7th in the regular season and dropped out against Brynäs in the 8th-final
Number of championships: 1
Arena: Coop Norrbotten arena, capacity 6 300
Head Coach: Thomas Berglund
Captain: Niklas Olausson
Players in:
Niklas Rubin, G, Tingsryd
Fredrik Styrman, D, HV71
Jesper Sellgren, D, Modo
Erik Gustafsson, D, Neftechimik
David Lindquist, F, Björklöven
Jack Connolly, F, Rögle
Austin Farley, F, Björklöven
Players out:
Filip Gustavsson, G, Ottawa
Brendan Mikkelsson, D, Mannheim
Jan Sandström, D, Retired
Kim Johansson, D, Västervik
Per Ledin, F, No team
Andreas Falk, F, HV71
Joey Hishon, F, Retired
5 Notable players:
Johan Harju, F
Robin Kovacs, F
Most loaded games: The "Derbys" against Skellefteå
First game of the season: Brynäs at home
My prediction:
Luleå has made a blockbuster signing getting hold of Erik Gustafsson, they are looking good on paper. But there's still a lot of question marks not least their performances in the last couple of years. I predict Luleå to reach the playoffs and maybe touch the top 6, I have them just outside on the 7th spot repeating last years performance.
Last season: 6th in the regular season and out in the semi finals for the second year in a row
Number of championships: 2
Arena: Malmö arena, capacity 12 600
Head Coach: Peter Andersson
Captain: Fredrik Händemark
Players in:
Anton Öhman, D, Skellefteå
Emil Molin, F, Modo
Emil Sylvegård, F, Linköping
Martin Janolhs, F, Pantern
Henrik Hetta, F, Skellefteå
Konstantin Komarek, F, Karlskrona
Jonas Gunnarsson, G, HV71
Nils Andersson, D, HV71
Matias Lassen, D, Pantern
Tuukka Mäntylä, D,Tappara
Erik Andersson, D, No team
Rhett Rakhshani, F, Frölunda
Daniel Zaar, F, Rögle
Erik Forssell, F, No team
Lukas Haudum, F, Pantern
Robin Alvarez, F, Skellefteå
5 Notable players:
Niklas Arell, D
Emil Molin, F
Most loaded games: The Scanian Derby games against Rögle
First game of the season: Mora away
My prediction:
Malmö has built a much cheaper team this year and every player is pretty average to be honest. And even if hard work has been their mantra for the last couple of years I can't see them reaching the playoffs. I predict Malmö at 12th place avoiding relegation by some margin but having a tough season.
Last season: As a returnee to the SHL avoiding relegation was everything they wanted and they managed it, they finished 13th and was saved in relegation by defeating Leksand
Number of championships: 0
Arena: Jalas arena, capacity 4 500
Head Coach: Mats Lusth
Captain: Adam Masuhr
Players in:
Isak Wallin, G, Modo
Adam Masuhr, D, Tjerepovets
Kevin Gagné, D, Rögle
Marek Daloga, D, Sparta Prag
Michael Keränen, F, Geneve-Servette
Niki Petti, f, Laval
Players out:
Mattias Pettersson, G, Björklöven
Steven Seigo, D, Straubing
Kristian Jakobsson, F, Modo
David Kase, F, Philadelphia
Jacob Nilsson, F, Chicago
Jacob Lagacé, F, Stavanger
Jason Akeson, F, Köln.
5 Notable players:
Adam Masuhr, D
Andrew Rowe, F
Emil Bejmo, F
Matt Bailey, F
Most loaded games: The games against Färjestad, mainly due to the number of players who's represented both
First game of the season: Örebro at home
My prediction:
It will be tough, probably even tougher than last year. Everything will be about avoiding relegation because this roster doesn't look like it'll climb the table. I predict Mora last and we'll see how they do against the likes of Modo, AIK and Leksand in a relegation matchup.
Last season: 11th in the regular season and the team finishing in that spot has no post season
Number of championships: 0
Arena: Lindab arena, capacity 5 150
Head Coach: Cam Abbott
Captain: Craig Schira
Players in:
Jonas Ahnelöv, D, Avangard Omsk
Kodie Curran, D, Storhamar
Daniel Bertov, D, Leksand
Christopher Bengtsson, F, Södertälje
Leon Bristedt, F, University of Minnesota
Daniel Zaar, F, Malmö
Mattias Sjögren, F, Zürich
Erik Andersson, F, HV71
Nils Höglander, F, AIK
Matt Andersson, F, Skellefteå
Ken Jäger, F, Davos
Christian Thomas, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Players out:
Emil Kruse, G, Västervik (loan)
Alexander Younan, D, Västerås
Kevin Gagné, D, Mora
Stephen Perfetto, F, No team
Filip Karlsson, F, Linköping
Daniel Sylwander, F, Modo
Ludvig Rensfeldt, F, Timrå
Sebastian Collberg, F, Timrå
Jack Connolly, F, Luleå
Edwin Hedberg, F, Skellefteå
Bryan Lerg, F, Ambri-Piotta
Daniel Widing, F, Djurgården
5 Notable players:
Justin Pogge, G
Most loaded games: The Derbys against Malmö
First game of the season: Skellefteå away
My prediction:
Rögle is the most interesting team coming into this season. They have gained a lot of experience with Sjögren, Ahnelöv and Anderson coming in and they've also brought in a lot of interesting prospects with Höglander and Bristedt leading the pack. I think Rögle will have a great season, compared to last, and get into the playoffs. They are looking very good but to expect them to go from bottom to top in one season might be a too big ask. I predict them at 7th.
Last season: 5th in regular season and lost in the final to Växjö
Number of championships: 3
Arena: Skellefteå Kraft arena, capacity 5 801
Head Coach: Tommy Samuelsson
Captain: Jimmie Ericsson
Players in:
Mantas Armalis, G, Dinamo Riga
Patrik Norén, D, Leksand
Petter Granberg, D, Milwaukee
Edwin Hedberg, F, Rögle
Robin Alvarez, F, Malmö
Mathis Olimb, F, Linköping
Juhamatti Aaltonen, F, Bern
Players out:
Joni Ortio, G, Podolsk
Anton Öhman, D, Malmö
Mark Katic, D, Mannheim
Anton Danielsson, D, Vita Hästen
Pär Lindholm, F, Toronto
Sebastian Olsson, F, Timrå
Jesper Olofsson, F, Färjestad
Tim Söderlund, F, Frölunda
Henrik Hetta, F, Malmö
Pontus Petterström, f, Retired
Simon Krekula, F, Vita Hästen
Matt Anderson, F, Rögle
5 Notable players:
Oscar Möller, F
Most loaded games: the "Derbys" against Luleå, classic and rough
First game of the season: Rögle at home
My prediction:
Skellefteå has lost a few great players but they've also replaced well, new coach in place and a thirst to get back to success. I think they'll be about as good as last year when all come to end. I have them at 5th but I can see them both higher and lower depending on how things work out with the new coach.
Last season: Promoted after defeating Karlskrona in a best of 7
Number of championships: 0
Arena: NHK Arena, capacity 6 000
Head Coach: Fredrik Andersson
Captain: Hampus Larsson
Players in:
Niklas Svedberg, G, Iowa
Alexander Falk, D, Djurgården
Andreas Söderberg, D, Pantern
Albin Carlson, D, Almtuna
Oskar Drugge, D, Västervik
David Printz, D, Karlskrona
Mattias Guter, F, Karlskrona
Ludvig Rensfeldt, F, Rögle
Henrik Törnqvist, F, Linköping
Sebastian Collberg, F, Rögle
Rickard Palmberg, F, Vita Hästen
Patrik Blomberg, F, Västervik
Sebastian Olsson, F, Skellefteå
Morten Madsen, F, Karlskrona
Players out:
Henrik Haukeland, G, TPS Åbo
Didrik Strömberg, D, HV71
Jesper Dahlroth, D, Oskarshamn
Hugo Enock, D, Brampton
Erik Karlsson, F, KooKoo
Johan Johnsson, F, HV71
Sebastian Lauritzen, F, Retired
Tobias Liljendahl, F, Almtuna
Alex Lavoie, F, Innsbruck
John Westin, F, Retired
Michael Parks, F, Dornbirner
5 Notable players:
David Printz, D
Most loaded games: Brynäs, due to proximity and some history
First game of the season: Linköping away
My prediction:
Timrå has a new roster, which is normal when promoted, it's interesting but doesn't look like a roster for the playoffs. What will happen now that they are without Jonathan Dahlén? I say Timrå will like most newcomers fight for survival and I peg them at 13th.
Last season: Dominated the league both regular season and playoffs and most experts deemed the season "boring" because they were so far above the rest
Number of championships: 2
Arena: Vida Arena, capacity 5750
Head Coach: Sam Hallam
Captain: Liam Reddox
Players in:
Niclas Burström, D, Chantij-Mansijsk
Karl Johansson, D, Oskarshamn
Pontus Holmberg, F, Västerås
Roman Horák, F, Vitjaz Podolsk
Austin Ortega, F, San Diego
Players out:
Eric Martinsson, D, Minnesota
Noah Welch, D, Retired
Adam Brodecki, F, Linköping
Robert Rosén, F, Sotji
Andy Miele, F, Nizjnij Novgorod
Elias Pettersson, F, Vancouver
Andrew Calof, F, Nizjnij Novgorod
Dennis Rasmussen, F, Magnitogorsk
5 Notable players:
Viktor Fasth, G
Joel Persson, D
Most loaded games: The Smålandderbys against HV71
First game of the season: Timrå away
My prediction:
I'll try not to be biased and I'll claim I have support from most experts when saying this. Växjö lost two SHL top forward lines before the season and the forwards is the question mark, but with the best D and the best G in the league as well as a top coach and GM I expect Växjö to be at the top fighting this year as well. I don't think they'll be as good as last year but I still predict them at number 1.
Last season: 12 in regular season and therefore no post season
Number of championships: 0
Arena: Behrn arena, capacity 5 500
Head Coach: Niklas Sundblad
Captain: Jere Sallinen
Players in:
Stefan Steen, G, Färjestad
Kristian Näkyvä, D, Linköping
Marcus Björk, D, Oskarshamn
Rasmus Rissanen, D, Jokerit
Aaron Palushaj, F, Brynäs
Shane Harper, F, Togliatti
Jordan Boucher, F, Laval
Players out:
Axel Brage, G, Leksand
Viktor Ekbom, D, Frölunda
Ari Gröndahl, D, Kalpa
Daine Todd, D, Iserlohn
Alexander Hellström, D, Björklöven,
Victor Bartley, D, Kunlun
Daniel Viksten, F, Färjestad
Filip Ahl, F, Tingsryd
Gustaf Franzén, F, Karlskoga
Joakim Andersson, F, HV71
Johan Wiklander, F, No team
Kalle Jellvert, F, Modo
Sakari Manninen, F, Jokerit
5 Notable players:
Nick Ebert, D
Most loaded games: Due to geographical proximity the games against Färjestad
First game of the season: Mora away
My prediction:
They outbid Brynäs for star Aaron Palushaj, and they are doing everything they can to get into the playoffs and become a team that can contest. Unfortunately I can't see that they've done enough to get there yet. They have Palushaj and Sallinen but the rest of the forwards look rather unappealing for a team looking to contest. I peg them at 11th which is pretty much where they where last year.
Summary of my predictions:
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Växjö |
| 2 | Djurgården |
| 3 | Färjestad |
| 4 | HV71 |
| 5 | Skellefteå |
| 6 | Frölunda |
| 7 | Rögle |
| 8 | Luleå |
| 9 | Brynäs |
| 10 | Linköping |
| 11 | Örebro |
| 12 | Malmö |
| 13 | Timrå |
| 14 | Mora |
Some interesting facts:Malmö is the tallest team on average (185,15cm), Luleå is the shortest (181,76cm), the tallest player is Malte Setkov (198 cm), Malmö and the shortest player is Joe Whitney (168cm), Linköping.
Malmö is the heaviest team on average (87,70kg), Frölunda is the lightest (83.81kg), the heaviest player is Niklas Arell (102kg), Malmö and the lightest player is Samuel Asklöf (70kg), Brynäs.
HV71 is the oldest team on average (26,80 years), Djurgården is the youngest (24,73 years), the oldest player is Jimmie Ericsson (38) Skellefteå and the youngest player is Nils Höglander (17) Rögle.
If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments and I'll answer them. For example if you want added explanation for something like choices on notable player or my predictions.
Plugging the SHL subreddit r/elitserien, the activity is low but if you have any questions feel free to stop by and I can guarantee someone will read and answer it.
I also want to touch on my try to create a wider subreddit around Swedish hockey /r/ishockey. Basically there isn't any active Swedish subreddit dedicated to hockey in general and me and some friends are trying to get it going so it would be cool if you check it out.
Here's last years preview as well
This year in the SHL:
Is Växjös year of dominance coming to an end or will it extend? The contestants are far from few, Djugården are looking better than ever, Färjestad are quickly returning to former glory and HV71 is set up to bounce back after a rough last year. Rögle is making noice for maybe the first time ever and Örebro stole Brynäs star right in front of them. Who will win? Who will fight in the bottom? No one knows, but one thing is for sure this season is set to be exciting, most likely more so than last year.
Now let's get the season started! Må bästa lag vinna!
