In the Czech Republic, Oceláři Třinec and Sparta Prague have already qualified for next season’s CHL and are the top two by some distance in the regular season. Sparta beat Třinec on Sunday afternoon to move to within a point of top spot. The Extraliga’s final CHL place will be determined through the Playoffs.

Another qualifier could come this week in Sweden. There are between five and seven games left to play for each team in the SHL, which is currently being led by Rögle Ängelholm. The Växjö Lakers, with a six-point cushion in second, are currently in a good position behind them. Reigning champions, the Frölunda Indians, were awarded a place after winning the 2020 Final.

Lukko Rauma are in pole position for one of the three places for teams from the Liiga in Finland. However, teams have still got a way to go in the final part of the Regular Season there, so it’ll be a while yet before we know which teams we’ll be seeing in European competition next season.

The same can also be said for Switzerland. While the National League currently has five places in the CHL, teams have between 12 and 17 games left to play – meaning it’ll still be at least another week before we can start welcoming qualifiers. EV Zug, who lead by some 16 points, are likely to be the first to secure a CHL place.

In Germany, the adapted format for this season’s DEL has two very tight conferences. With only one defeat in nine, Adler Mannheim lead the Southern Conference and have the most points overall, but we’re still a way off finding out who the first of the country’s four qualifiers will be.

Finally, the playoffs have already begun in Belarus and Poland – their national champions will win a place in the CHL.