Pre-season round up - coming home version

A recent article on Swedish Televisions web site quotes Håkan Loob, the general manager for Färjestad, and his justifications for why we will see some more NHL talent in the Eliteserien this year. The main reason is that the guys who played on the fourth or fifth line in the NHL are mostly without work or solid contracts. They are probably nervous and ready to sign a contract even if it is for less than they hoped. The Southern European leagues have already pretty much established their teams and the Russian league is not interested unless the player is a real headliner, like Jagr. So the theory is that many from the NHL will play in Sweden since there are roster spots open, they pay is pretty good, and the level of play is high. We shall see, so far not many moves from the NHL to the elitserien, and Tommy Salo has yet to conclude a deal with Frölunda.