Svenska Hockeyligan, the association that oversees Elitserien (the Swedish Elite League), plans to appeal yesterday's anti-trust board ruling that struck down the league's internal agreement not to sign locked-out NHL players to short-term contracts.

The majority of teams in Elitserien have gone on record saying they support Hockeyligan's no-temporary contract ruling. There was a 10-2 vote in favor of upholding the ruling, with Modo and Frölunda dissenting. However, defending champion Brynäs and HV71 have also reportedly been discussing possibilities of bringing in one or two notable NHL players apiece.

Modo reportedly has a contract agreement with Alexander Steen and a verbal agreement (pending the resolution of insurance issues) with Tobias Enström. The still-winless club would like Steen to play in Saturday's game against Rögle. In the meantime, Frölunda admitted to being in negotiation with club alumni Henrik Lundqvist, Erik Karlsson and Loui Eriksson.

Reports also surfaced yesterday that Brynäs would bring Nicklas Bäckström back for a homecoming tour of duty during the lockout if other teams broke the agreement, along with Marcus Johansson. HV71 was reportedly poised to sign Niklas Hjalmarsson under the same circumstances.

The Hockeyligan appeal will NOT necessarily stop interested teams from negotiating with and/or signing and using NHL players in the interim, but it remains to be seen if the interested clubs will actually go ahead and do so.

Allsvenskan, Sweden's top minor league, has already reversed its own Sept. 3 decision not to permit temporary contracts. Several NHL players, including LA Kings star center Anze Kopitar, have signed with Allsvenskan clubs.

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With the time difference across the Atlantic Ocean, it is now early Saturday morning in Europe. The following signings/agreements with NHL players have taken place since yesterday morning. Blog will be updated if/when additional reports surface:

SM-liiga
Valtteri Filppula officially signed with Jokerit Helsinki.

Czech Extraliga
Michal Frolik has signed with Pirati Chumotov.

Denmark
TV2 Sport reports that Ottawa Senators forward Peter Regin has a verbal agreement to play for Herning during the lockout.

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