HV71 Faces Qualification Challenges with Key Player Injuries

Jönköping, Sweden – HV71 is navigating significant roster challenges as they prepare for the crucial qualification round against Leksand to maintain their position in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). The team is currently dealing with a substantial number of injuries, impacting their lineup for the best-of-seven series.

Lucas Lagerberg Out for Qualification

Defenceman Lucas Lagerberg will miss the entire qualification series due to a foot injury. He sustained the injury in the third-to-last SHL game of the regular season against Färjestad in Karlstad and is currently in a rehabilitation boot. Aftonbladet reports that his season is likely over.

Additional Key Players Sidelined

Lagerberg is not the only key player unavailable for HV71. Linus Lindström, Hampus Eriksson, Karl Annborn, Aleksi Heponiemi, Frederik Dichow, and Isac Brännström are also currently sidelined due to injury. This leaves HV71 with a total of seven players unavailable for the start of the qualification series.

Leksand Also Facing Injury Concerns

HV71’s opponent, Leksand, is also dealing with injury issues. Forwards Jon Knuts, Arvid Eljas, and Dennis Altörn are already confirmed to be unavailable.

Lagerberg’s Potential Return to AIK

Adding another layer of complexity, Lucas Lagerberg is currently on loan from AIK. Hockeysverige.se reports that HV71 has the option to recall him once, and Lagerberg acknowledges the possibility of returning to AIK for their playoff run. However, he states he has not yet received any communication regarding a recall and remains focused on his current situation.

Recent Recall from AIK

On March 10, 2026, HV71 recalled Lucas Lagerberg from AIK after Niklas Hansson sustained an injury in a game against Leksand. Sportbloggare.com notes that this recall prevents Lagerberg from being sent back to AIK for the remainder of the season. In seven Allsvenskan matches with AIK this season, Lagerberg recorded four points and a +2 rating.

Qualification Series Details

The qualification series between HV71 and Leksand begins on Wednesday evening. The first game will be played in Jönköping, with puck drop scheduled for 19:00. The series will be played in a best-of-seven format to determine which team will remain in the SHL.