HV71 has prepared a lot as they are now back in the SHL after a year in the Hockeyallsvenskan.
They have recruited, among others, Mattias Tedenby, Eric Martinsson and André Petersson.
This means that, even though they are newcomers, they are tipped to the top by the coaching staff in the SHL.
- If everyone plays at their peak and does well, we will be a difficult team to beat.
I am absolutely sure of that.
It is required that many who were there last year take the next step at this level and hopefully one of the younger ones makes a real breakthrough, says Tedenby.
According to the coaches, HV71 shares the favoriteship with Frölunda.
They both have 21 percent of the coaches' votes.
- It was unexpected.
I didn't know what to expect.
But at the same time it is generally extremely difficult to tip.
There are many who are involved and argue about it.
We aim for a top four finish in the series and then it's all the way, says Frölunda captain Joel Lundqvist.
Leksand's captain believes Patrik Zackrisson believes in Frölunda more than HV71 when it comes to going all the way.
- It is clear that Frölunda has something they have been working on for many years.
If they succeed, we know they are dangerous, he says and continues:
- HV71 I don't really know, maybe it's a little bit that the coaches want to put a little extra pressure on them as newcomers.
At the same time, they have brought home many players and have a good team on paper.
But it is always difficult to take steps the first year when you come from the Allsvenskan to the SHL.