A significant difference in this year's tournament was that the number of participating teams was increased from 18 to 24.

Had at least two teams in the same division ended up tied in points, the following tie-breaker format was used: As Red Bull Salzburg, who were automatically qualified for the playoffs, failed to reach one of the top two spots of the East Division, the same tie-breaker format was used to determine which second ranked team they would replace, which was Eisbären Berlin.

The playoffs are played as the Red Bulls Salute and take place in Salzburg and Vienna between 16–18 December 2011.

The final standings of the tournament: List shows the top skaters sorted by points, then goals.

GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes; POS = Position positions: F = Forward; D = Defenceman Sources: Europeantrophy.com and Eurohockey.com Updated as of the end of the tournament.

Only the top five goaltenders, based on save percentage, who have played 40% of their team's minutes, are included in this list.

TOI = Time on ice (minutes:seconds); SA = Shots against; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; Sv% = Save percentage; SO = Shutouts Sources: Europeantrophy.com and Eurohockey.com Updated as of the end of the tournament.

List shows the top ten players based on the number of European Star Award points.