Arvid Soderblom had a very rough first full season in the NHL in 2023-24, but is out to prove something with the Chicago Blackhawks this time around.
The 25-year-old came into the season with the expectation that he would have to take a step back to the AHL because the Blackhawks, who strived to add experience in the off-season, added Laurent Brossoit to play alongside Petr Mrazek. Soderblom held the backup role all of last season.
Soderblom had played 18 games in the NHL over the previous two seasons and had done well in Rockford, but failed to sport a SV% of over .900 in the NHL. This was the case last season too as he finished with a .880 SV% and 3.92 GAA in 32 games.
Related: Maroon Defends Bedard After Big Hip Check
Soderblom received a gift at the start of the 2024-25 season. With Brossoit starting the season injured and expected to miss a short amount of time, there was a bit of an opportunity to put together at least one good performance in the NHL before being sent down.
While Soderblom didn’t have a good season in 2023-24, it wasn’t all on the bad team in front of him. his play needed to be better. He got an opportunity to start against the Winnipeg Jets in the second game of the season and was just a minute away from recording his first shutout in the NHL. Across 45 starts, he has yet to record one.
The Blackhawks are better, but there are still going to be struggles. The team is winless through two games. The decision was made to give Soderblom the first start on the weekend back-to-back and at least he helped Chicago get a point with a 33 save performance.
Soderblom will inevitably head back to the AHL as the Blackhawks are not going to run with three goalies, but he can continue to perform for the Rockford IceHogs and make himself noticed.
Goalies sometimes take longer to develop and Soderblom may be reaching that point where he’s got NHL experience and starting to figure things out. Whether he will stick with the Blackhawks long term with Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan in the system or not, he is on a mission to become a full-time NHL goalie and off to a great rebound season.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features and more.
Recent Blackhawks News
Connor Bedard Still 3rd Youngest Player to Make NHL Roster
Blackhawks Begin Their First Big Challenge
Blackhawks Send Promising Young Defender Down
Blackhawks’ Second Power-Play Unit Needs Immediate Overhaul
