Several teams in SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan made key moves as the transfer window closed on Sunday night. Modo Hockey strengthened its defense and goaltending, while other clubs like Djurgården and Södertälje added forwards. Oskarshamn parted ways with a defenseman amid roster adjustments.
The transfer deadline brought a flurry of activity across Swedish ice hockey leagues, with clubs aiming to bolster their lineups for the season's end and playoffs.
Modo Hockey, positioned fourth in HockeyAllsvenskan, secured defenseman Theodor Johnsson from Finnish club Sport on a deal for the rest of the season. The 23-year-old right-shot defender, who has nine points in 50 games this year, was described by Modo sport chief Henrik Gradin as a calm, strong player in his own zone. "Theodor is a back we have followed for a longer time," Gradin said. Modo also signed goaltender Jakob Hellsten from Leksand, where he was unexpectedly released last week. Hellsten called the news a shock but viewed the move as a fresh start. "Modo is a big club with clear ambitions," he told ÖA.
In SHL, Djurgården addressed injuries by acquiring Norwegian forward Samuel Solem from Östersund. The 26-year-old, who has 20 points in 42 Allsvenskan games, brings versatility and toughness. Assisting sport chief Marcus Due-Boje praised Solem's character: "He fits well into our Djurgården spirit and makes us more resilient." Solem will return to Östersund after this season under a loan agreement.
Södertälje SK landed offensive forward A.J. Vanderbeck from Pelicans, crediting external funding, prior chemistry with Teemu Väyrynen, and a key role. Sport chief Emil Georgsson noted: "He can break patterns offensively and help in powerplay." Meanwhile, Oskarshamn mutually terminated defenseman Marc-Olivier Duquette's contract, allowing him to seek more ice time elsewhere. Sport chief Arsi Piispanen said Duquette handled a tough season professionally.
Almtuna IS opted not to sell any players despite offers, including for top scorer Mikkel Öby Olsen. Sport chief Nicklas Danielsson emphasized stability: "We are not pressured economically this time."
Modo failed to land forward Lukas Wernblom from TPS, as the Finnish club prioritized its playoff push. Edvin Olofsson left Modo for HC Presov in Slovakia after Hellsten's arrival reduced his role.
