The Kassel Huskies was allowed to stay in the league, despite losing the play-down, as Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg lost its DEL license.

22 NHL players came to play the season in the DEL, with the Iserlohn Roosters making the first move by signing up Mike York.

Several German national team players came as well -- Marco Sturm, Jochen Hecht and Olaf Kölzig.

Other significant signings included Stéphane Robidas and Doug Weight midseason signups for the previous season champion the Frankfurt Lions.

[1] The two last placed, Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg and Kassel Huskies played a "playdown" in a Best-of-seven series starting March 18, 2005.