Herman Liv is the first acquisition for HV71's 2026/27 season, according to an official announcement. Born and raised in Jönköping, Liv is the son of the late Stefan Liv, who died in a plane crash 15 years ago. He began his career in HV71's hockey school and played for the club until U16 before moving to Örebro Hockey, and he represented Almtuna IS in Allsvenskan last season. Liv expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the club, according to the official source.
The board has approved that Liv can wear number 1 if he wants, but the decision is delayed, according to the official source. The number 1 jersey is currently hanging in the rafters at Husqvarna Garden and was retired after his father Stefan's death. Liv noted that he needs time to decide on wearing the jersey, according to the official source.
It feels incredible to be back. I have followed HV71 basically since I was born and the club is close to my heart, so I feel a lot of joy today. I look forward to continuing my development here and getting to know my new teammates.
HV71 has qualified for the SHL playoffs for the third season in a row, multiple reports indicate. The club ultimately stayed in the SHL, but if relegated to HockeyAllsvenskan, all player contracts would be broken and the club would have to start from scratch with squad building, according to those reports.
Axel Rindell has scored 31 points in 50 games and is tenth in the defensemen's scoring league, multiple reports show. Last week, Aftonbladet reported that Rindell appears to be extending his contract to stay at HV71. However, three other SHL clubs have inquired about Rindell's future for next season, and he and Felix Sandström have interest from other SHL clubs for next season, according to multiple reports.
I have always had number 1 and it means a lot to me, so I am grateful that the opportunity exists. But I need to think a bit before I decide.
Felix Sandström played 19 games in the regular season with a save percentage of 88.8%, and in the negative qualifiers, he played all four games with a save percentage of 95.5%, multiple reports state. Rögle BK is interested in Sandström for next season, and he could remain in the SHL regardless of how the season ends for HV71, according to those reports. Sandström expressed his motivation to continue with HV71, according to the official source. Johan Hult, acting general manager of HV71, praised Sandström's development and role, according to the official source.
Four players are leaving HV71: Frederik Dichow, Viggo Gustafsson, Joona Luoto, and Hugo Pettersson, multiple reports indicate. Specifically, Frederik Dichow will leave HV71 to play for Timrå next season, and Hugo Pettersson will leave to play for Malmö Redhawks next season, according to those reports. Hugo Alnefelt is leaving the club despite having one year left on his contract, multiple reports confirm. Hult explained that a solution was found for Alnefelt to continue his career elsewhere, according to the official source.
I am incredibly happy and grateful to extend with HV71 for another two seasons. I feel very motivated to start the work and the journey forward for HV71.
Hugo Fransson has one year left on his contract and has been the subject of interest in the NHL, multiple reports state. He scored 27 points in 56 games in the SHL regular season and negative qualifiers, according to those reports. According to Hockeysverige, Fransson described potential NHL interest as uncertain and plans to discuss it with his agent, while noting his current intention to stay at HV71.
HV71 has started building the SHL squad for 2026/2027. The club's specific new acquisitions beyond Herman Liv are not yet detailed, but the early signing signals a proactive approach to roster construction as they prepare for future seasons.
Felix impressed me greatly when he came to us. He has had a fine development during his years in North America and plays with a calmness and security that spreads to the rest of the team. He will also become a good mentor to Olof Glifford and Herman Liv who are at the beginning of their hockey careers. We are happy that Felix becomes the final puzzle piece in an exciting goaltending trio.
We have found a solution with Hugo that allows him to continue his career in another club. This will be good both for HV71 and Hugo who has been professional the whole time and we wish him all the best going forward.