The Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is renowned for developing top-tier hockey talent, many of whom
transition to the National Hockey League (NHL). While the SHL to NHL pipeline has been clearly
demonstrated throughout decades, it’s unclear how recent players appreciate and depreciate as assets.
Using recent data, we sample five players to see how they performed against expectations.
1. Rasmus Sandin
Initial Transfer
- SHLTeam: RögleBK
- NHLTeam: Toronto Maple Leafs
- Initial Transfer Fee: Approx. $925,000 (Entry-level contract)
Resale Transfer
- NewNHLTeam: Washington Capitals
- ResaleFee: First-round draft pick and second-round draft pick
Overview
Rasmus Sandin, initially signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, was traded to the Washington Capitals for a
first-round and second-round draft pick. His increasing value is reflected in the substantial trade return
due to his strong performance and potential as a young defenseman.
2. Victor Olofsson
Initial Transfer
- SHLTeam: Frölunda HC
- NHLTeam: Buffalo Sabres
- Initial Transfer Fee: Approx. $925,000 (Entry-level contract)
Resale Transfer
- NewNHLTeam: WaivedbyBuffalo Sabres (2023)
- ResaleFee: N/A (Waived and claimed off waivers)
Overview
Victor Olofsson, after a promising start with the Buffalo Sabres, was waived in 2023. His value decreased
due to inconsistent performances and the team’s strategic changes. Olofsson’s waiver reflects a drop in
market value compared to his initial transfer fee.
3. Lias Andersson
Initial Transfer
- SHLTeam: HV71
- NHLTeam: NewYorkRangers
- Initial Transfer Fee: Approx. $925,000 (Entry-level contract)
Resale Transfer
● NewNHLTeam: LosAngeles Kings
● ResaleFee: Second-round draft pick
Overview
Lias Andersson, originally with the New York Rangers, was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a
second-round draft pick. Despite being a high draft pick, his value dropped due to performance issues
and limited playing time, resulting in a lower resale value.
4. Adrian Kempe
Initial Transfer
- SHLTeam: ModoHockey
- NHLTeam: LosAngeles Kings
- Initial Transfer Fee: Approx. $925,000 (Entry-level contract)
Resale Transfer
- NewNHLTeam:Contract extension with Los Angeles Kings (example of value increase)
- ResaleFee: $5.5 million annual average value (contract extension)
Overview
Adrian Kempe’s value increased significantly with his performance in the NHL, leading to a lucrative
contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings. His consistent improvement and contribution to the team
justified the high market price in his new contract.
5. Erik Brännström
Initial Transfer
- SHLTeam: HV71
- NHLTeam: VegasGolden Knights
- Initial Transfer Fee: Approx. $925,000 (Entry-level contract)
Resale Transfer
- NewNHLTeam: OttawaSenators
- ResaleFee: Part of trade package for Mark Stone
Overview
Erik Brännström, initially with the Vegas Golden Knights, was traded to the Ottawa Senators as part of a
package for Mark Stone. Despite high potential, his value was considered in the context of a larger trade,
indicating a nuanced evaluation of his market worth.
What can this tell us?
Teams willing to invest in Swedish talent must be able to sustain parting with giving up spots to other
talent and an additional $925,000 entry level fee. While these five are but a sample size of recent players
and may not represent the best or worst cases, it is assuring to see that in even some of the less
desirable outcomes, teams were able to swap the players back for high value picks to reinvest in other
talent.
