How Will PWHL Roster Cuts Affect the SDHL?

With all six PWHL teams due to make cuts this week, handfuls of players could find themselves without a place to play. Sweden’s SDHL, widely acknowledged as the second best professional women’s hockey league in the world, could become a destination for players willing to make the jump overseas.

Demographically, the SDHL is already a diverse league — 63 percent of its players are Swedish, while the remaining 37 percent hail from 13 other countries. Historically, Sweden has been the primary destination of NCAA and USports graduates looking to turn pro. While exact salaries and benefits vary greatly from team to team, and are generally not disclosed publicly, most import players have housing and some expenses covered and receive a modest paycheque each month. The prospect of continuing to play professional hockey at a high level is certainly part of the league’s appeal, and could be an option for those left off PWHL rosters later this week.

SDHL general managers, however, are divided on the topic of adding import players mid-season. Peter Hammarström, GM of HV71, is clear that his team will consider bringing in one or more PWHL cuts, “We have a player [defender Jessica Adolfsson] who has transferred to Ottawa’s [tryout] camp, and we’ll see if she comes back. If she doesn’t, we will need a replacement. We have also looked at bringing in an additional player, depending on [who gets cut from] their team.”

Frölunda GM Kim Martin notes the importance of adding the right pieces, and preserving team chemistry.

“It depends on injuries and such in our team, and also what options we have," said Martin. "Do [potential signees] fit well into our team or not? We’re keeping the door open.”

The first PWHL draft in 2023 saw only two SDHL players selected: Brooke Hobson and Lina Ljungblom, both from MoDo. At the subsequent draft a year later, PWHL GMs called the names of nine SDHL veterans, a 350 percent increase in draftees. Luleå alone had four players selected in 2024, all of whom are currently in North America attempting to crack their respective PWHL rosters. Rather than decry the loss of talented players, Luleå GM Oskar Häggström sees the draft as an opportunity for growth, “I strongly believe that the PWHL will help with the recruitment of girls who want to play hockey. Presently, some players will definitely leave the SDHL, but I also believe that we will be able to attract players who want to [continue to] improve as they aim for the PWHL.”

Navigating the changing women’s hockey landscape is a task that the GMs are embracing.

“The challenges are many but incredibly fun,” according to Hammarström. “We think [the PWHL] is so good for women's hockey. […] we don't want to be the one who stops a dream. As long as you have a good dialogue and an open conversation during negotiations, we are in favor of writing a clause in the contract [that allows players to leave mid-SDHL season to attend PWHL camps].”

“The fact is,” said another GM, “there are only so many roster spots in the PWHL. Women’s hockey is growing and improving so quickly all over the world. There is and will continue to be enough talent for both leagues.” Kim Martin notes that not all players have their sights set on playing in North America, “The top top players will be [in the PWHL]. We just have to keep on working hard to find new talent. At the same time I don't think the PWHL is for everyone.”

Roster moves and intrigue will certainly keep things interesting for fans of both leagues in the coming weeks.