Hansson Will Be Sidelined for Up to Six Months After Tests Revealed His Injury Is Worse Than Initially Feared, Forcing the Swedish Hockey

Hansson was hurt during preseason training and has since undergone examinations. The club has now confirmed he will be out of action for an extended period due to what it describes as an "upper body injury. "The investigations we have done have shown that we need to proceed with an operation for Niklas.

Unfortunately, he is expected to be away from hockey for up to six months, HV71's doctor Jonas Kalman told the club's website. Sports director Johan Hult said the team now must go player hunting. Incredibly sad for Niklas and of course tough for us to lose such a good defenseman.

It means we need to find a replacement for Niklas, and that work has now begun, Hult said. The club has not named a potential replacement or a timeline for when a signing might be announced.