Djurgården is considering loaning out 21-year-old goaltender Hugo Hävelid to Hockeyallsvenskan after his tough start in the SHL, where he has suffered four losses in four starts. The club values his development but is exploring options for more playing time. Assistant sports director Marcus Due-Boje emphasized Hävelid's strong work ethic amid the discussions.
Hugo Hävelid, who turned 21, has faced challenges in his SHL debut season with Djurgården. He has started four matches, resulting in losses: 0-4 against Växjö, 3-5 against Rögle, 3-7 against HV71, and 1-6 against HV71. All of Djurgården's wins this season have come with veteran goaltender Magnus Hellberg in net.
Hävelid's background includes a strong performance in Hockeyallsvenskan last season, where he won the goaltender battle, started 32 of 52 regular-season games with a 90.8% save percentage, and shouldered the load through the playoffs at 90% efficiency. He was replaced by Marcus Gidlöf, on loan from Leksand, in the final two games of the Allsvenskan finals against AIK.
Djurgården extended Hävelid's contract last season, keeping him with the club until 2027. Assistant sports director Marcus Due-Boje praised Hävelid's dedication, saying, "What impresses us about Hugo is how he trains every day... he is tough-skinned, pushes in every training after a game he wants to take back. That says something, and he and Micce (Andréasson, goaltender coach) have had a great collaboration."
Due-Boje added, "We work hard, but mainly it's him who works hard to keep getting better. He is in the category to grow into this and continue improving." On the loan possibility, he stated, "We are trying to make the best journey for Hugo... We value Hugo's journey. He is a damn exciting personality and good goaltender and talented guy." He confirmed no direct comment on a loan to Hockeyallsvenskan, with nothing decided yet.
Reports indicate Djurgården is listening to Hockeyallsvenskan clubs interested in giving Hävelid playing time. The handling of Hävelid has become a hot discussion topic in Djurgården. In the Hockeynews podcast DIF News, club legend Nichlas Falk urged action, suggesting the club utilize the upcoming international break for moves, including potentially placing forward Daniel Brodin in Södertälje.