Welcome back to Allsvenskan, arsewipes!

The season is finally underwaty with the first round of matches out of the way. The opening game for former top league team, Rögle, was supposed to be a mere formality as they were hosting Boras. That was a formalty that whacked them straight in the balls! RBK did well to rally back from 0-3 and take the game to extra time where they ended up losing 5-6. Needless to say, their return to Allsvenskan has been greeted in way they did not expect. The other new-commers, Tingsryd, lost 3-1 at local rivals Växjö.

Other notable results was that a new-look Leksand completely thrashed their opening opponents and derby rivals, Mora. An incredible second period saw them score five times and finally take the game 7-1. Almtuna also showed little mercy as relegation favourites Sundsvall was sent to intensive care after losing 6-1at home. A strong looking Västerås team also showed class at they romped home 5-0 against Bofors.

Transfer deadline closing in

There are a few interesting weeks ahead as the Swedish transfer deadline approaches. Here's a list of the top teams from Allsvenskan and the prospects of any additions to their squads:

• Leksands IF
  Always in the top regarding rumours and speculation. The club has just released defender Niklas Andersson. With Jan Huokko having been forced into retirement earlier in the season and Petter Ullman sidelined for the foreseeable future there might be room for additions in defence. The void left by Jamie Johnson taking his chances across the pond and the retirement of his 'replacement' Andreas Johansson has yet to be filled. Rumours are more or less realistic, ranging from former player Niklas 'Pajen' Persson to Jan Hrdina, Kris Beech and last years' success, Kevin Doell.
• Växjö Lakers
  There has already been some news from the Lakers. The club has signed goaltender Johan Tahlberg from Västerås, and it seems Cristopher Liljewall is joining the squad on a permanent basis. Rumours also place Niklas Andersson, just released from Leksand, at the club.
• Mora IK
  Mora is nowadays not know as a club making spectacular signings. But the squad looks thin at the moment, and with on-loan forward Thomas Enström heading to Björklöven, I would hazard a guess Janne Simons has a replacement lined up.
• AIK
  With the ongoing economical difficulties in the club, I don't expect much to be happening in terms of signings.
• Malmö Redhawks
  The club has just recruited a goaltender to cover for sacked Jani Hurme, Johan Svensson has joined from Kumla Hockey. Defender Teemu Kesä is being treated for what could be a long-term injury and might need replacement. Andre Lakos has apparently been offered to the club, but unless Percy Nilsson opens his wallet, the club will not be able to afford him. I suspect we will at least see a defender joining the team before February.

Among the other contenders I expect less movements or at least less prospects of any major signings,  there are however rumours that Patrik Lundh might be on his way to elitserien from Bofors.

Transfer deadline is January 31st..