HV71 has presented its first acquisition for the 2026/27 season, with Herman Liv joining the club. Herman Liv is the first acquisition for the 2026/27 season, and he was born and raised in Jönköping and is the son of the late Stefan Liv, who died in a plane crash 15 years ago. The club's acting general manager, Johan Hult, says that new acquisitions are now underway, as HV71 has started building the SHL squad for 2026/2027. Herman Liv expressed his enthusiasm, stating that it feels incredible to be back and that he has followed HV71 since he was born, with the club close to his heart, so he feels a lot of joy and looks forward to continuing his development and getting to know his new teammates.
Herman Liv began his career in HV71's hockey school and played for the club until U16 before moving to Örebro Hockey. He represented Almtuna IS in Allsvenskan last season, gaining experience in Sweden's second-tier league. Sportbladet has previously reported that a loan to HockeyAllsvenskan is possible for the JVM goalkeeper, adding to his development path.
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.
An emotional decision is pending regarding whether Herman Liv will wear his father's retired number 1 jersey. The board has approved that Liv can wear number 1 if he wants, but the decision is delayed. The number 1 jersey is hanging in the rafters at Husqvarna Garden and was retired after his father Stefan's death. Herman Liv noted that he has always had number 1 and it means a lot to him, so he is grateful that the opportunity exists but needs to think a bit before deciding.
HV71 has qualified for the SHL playoffs for the third season in a row, maintaining its top-tier status. However, if relegated to HockeyAllsvenskan, all player contracts would be broken and the club would have to start from scratch with squad building, highlighting the high stakes of the current season.
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.
Key player contract situations add to the uncertainty, particularly for defenseman Axel Rindell. Axel Rindell has scored 31 points in 50 games and is tenth in the defensemen's scoring league, making him a valuable asset. Axel Rindell and Felix Sandström have interest from other SHL clubs for next season. Last week, Aftonbladet reported that Rindell appears to be extending his contract to stay in HV71, though conflicting reports persist.
Felix Sandström's uncertain future is another focal point. Felix Sandström could remain in the SHL regardless of how the season ends for HV71. Felix Sandström could be a candidate for Rögle next season, as Rögle BK is looking for a new goalkeeper with Christoffer Rifalk leaving after the season. Multiple reports indicate that Felix Sandström was one of HV71's big playoff heroes. He was brought in in December when last season's playoff hero Frederik Dichow had injury problems. Felix Sandström quickly became the first choice in HV71 and impressed greatly when Leksand was defeated 4-0 in games in the playoffs. He played all four games and only let in five goals, showcasing his impact.
I think it has gone better than I expected. I did not want another season with loans and I seized the chance when it came. I showed that I belong at this level and that gave a boost.
Goalkeeper roster changes are underway, with several departures and potential moves. Goalkeeper Frederik Dichow will leave HV71 to play in Timrå next season. It is still uncertain whether top goalkeeper Arvid Holm will stay or get an NHL contract, adding to the flux in the position. HV71 has goalkeepers Lassi Lehtinen, 27, and Olof Glifford, 21, in the club. Hugo Alnefelt, 24, has a contract with HV71 over the coming season, but he has been loaned to IFK Helsingfors and will not return, further reshaping the goalkeeper lineup.
Hugo Fransson has delivered 27 points in 56 games in the SHL's regular season and playoffs. Hugo Fransson has one year left on his contract. Hugo Fransson has been the subject of interest in the NHL, indicating his rising profile and potential future moves.
I got the trust to play in special teams and that helped me get going. It has been a good season where it has worked okay for me, and I hope to build on that.
Four players are leaving HV71: goalkeeper Frederik Dichow, defenseman Viggo Gustafsson, and forwards Joona Luoto and Hugo Pettersson. Young forward Hugo Pettersson is reported to leave to play for an SHL competitor, namely Malmö Redhawks, marking a significant departure.
HV71 has started building the SHL squad for 2026/2027. Johan Hult, acting general manager, says that new acquisitions are now underway, signaling ongoing efforts to strengthen the team.
It is true that there is some interest, but how big it is and what happens is still a bit unclear. I will have a talk with my agent in about a week, and after that I will probably know more.
HV71 managed to stay in the SHL in the end, but this survival came with ongoing roster challenges, as the club continues to navigate contract uncertainties and player movements.
The implications of roster changes and contract uncertainties for HV71's future competitiveness are significant, with key decisions on players like Rindell and Sandström potentially shaping the team's performance in upcoming seasons.
The plan now is to stay in HV, but you never know what happens. If I get the chance to test my wings there, I must do it. The goal has always been to get to the NHL.
Reactions and unknowns surround several unresolved questions. Whether Herman Liv will decide to wear his father's retired number 1 jersey remains pending. Details on contract extensions for players like Axel Rindell and Felix Sandström are still unclear, and interest from other clubs adds to the uncertainty. The potential NHL move for Arvid Holm and the impact of departures on team dynamics are key areas to watch as HV71 builds for the future.