Färjestad BK
Färjestad had a surprisingly good season last year, finishing fourth in the league table. This year they have lost too many of their talented players to finish this high up. So I'm putting them outside the top six, therefore missing automatic playoff qualification.
Apart from losing three players to the NHL (including one of the seasons top finds in Michael Lindqvist, now with New York Rangers), they have also lost the seasoned veteran, Dick Axelsson.
That leaves players who are left , like Johan Ryno (pictured) with a lot to do.
New signings who will need to make a mark include Swede, Robin Press, who has been in North America for the last two years. Despite being drafted in 2013 by the Chicago Blackhawks, he was not able to get established in the AHL. But he has had a great season in the division below that last year where he scored 44 points, including 34 assists in only 52 matches.
Another new recruit is Finn, Tomi Sallinen. The 29 year old centre has experience from Europe's top leagues include Liiga, NLA, KHL as well as two previous years in the SHL. The Karlstad club will need to see him repeat his 0.67 Points Per Game he achieved then if they are to get into a playoff spot this year.
@ABritOnThinIce1
