SHL vs Allsvenskan

SHL is the top league in Sweden with Allsvenskan directly below it in terms of tiers. Numerous up and coming players in Allsvenskan go on to play in SHL in their careers. SHL has a slightly higher caliber as well as skill/depth from top to bottom of rosters. Bigger budgets also allow clubs here to draw the most elite of imports. That being said, both leagues are strong in their own right and Allsvenskan rivals many other top leagues across Europe.

The skill level of players in the SHL is extremely high. Only the top-tier players from junior programs and lower divisions make it to the top league in Sweden. In terms of imports, you'll need to either be a top NCAA D1 player or spend significant time in the pros playing well in the ECHL up to the AHL/NHL level to cut it in the Swedish Hockey League. If you're based in Europe, you better be ripping up numbers to attract team attention here. We've heard of a number of NHL veterans who came over at the tail ends of their careers and struggled to keep up with the fast pace. There's a reason it's considered one of the best leagues in all of Europe.

It's the second league here in Sweden, but don't let that fool you. The level of play in Allsvenskan is comparable to many other top leagues in Europe. Rosters are composed of talented Swedish born players with a handful of talented imports bolstering each roster.