Blackhawks Ink Goalie Arvid Soderblom to Two-Year Contract Extension…read more…
The Chicago Blackhawks announced Saturday that they have agreed to terms with goaltender Arvid Soderblom on a two-year contract extension, ensuring the young Swedish netminder will remain part of their rebuilding efforts through the 2026-27 NHL season.
The deal, which carries an annual cap hit of $1.15 million, reflects the organization’s continued belief in Soderblom’s potential despite his recent on-ice struggles. The 24-year-old goalie is coming off a difficult 2024-25 season, but the Blackhawks front office remains confident that his development trajectory remains on course.
“Arvid is a talented young goaltender who continues to show promise in his growth and approach to the game,” said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson in a statement. “We believe he has the tools to be an important part of our future, and this contract gives him the stability and confidence to continue evolving at the NHL level.”
A Season of Growing Pains
Soderblom appeared in 28 games during the 2024-25 campaign, posting a record of 6-17-3 with a 3.76 goals-against average (GAA) and an .884 save percentage. Though the numbers were underwhelming, the Blackhawks’ coaching staff emphasized that his statistics were reflective of a young team in transition, not solely his performance.
Chicago finished near the bottom of the league standings, enduring another tough season as the franchise continues its full-scale rebuild. With a defense corps that frequently featured rookies and inexperienced players, Soderblom often faced high shot volumes and limited support.
“Last year was tough on all of us,” Soderblom said after the signing was announced. “But I learned a lot. Every game, every save, and every mistake taught me something new. I’m grateful the organization believes in me, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
A Steady Presence in Net
Despite the setbacks, Soderblom showed flashes of brilliance, especially in stretches where he was able to track the puck well and stay composed under pressure. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound netminder relies on a calm, technical style and has impressed coaches with his work ethic and coachability.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Soderblom initially made waves with strong performances in the Swedish Hockey League before transitioning to North America. He spent time with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, where he posted solid numbers and proved himself as a viable NHL option.
In his first full NHL season in 2023-24, he posted a 5-14-2 record with a .894 save percentage, showing resilience despite playing behind one of the league’s weakest defenses. While he has yet to put together a breakout campaign, the Blackhawks believe Soderblom has a higher ceiling still to reach.
“He’s still very young by goalie standards,” said Blackhawks goaltending coach Jimmy Waite. “We’ve seen steady development from him year to year, and we believe this extension gives him room to grow into a more consistent presence for us.”
Looking Ahead
With the extension secured, Soderblom is expected to compete for regular starts alongside veteran goaltender Petr Mrazek, who is entering the final year of his contract. The tandem is likely to be the same heading into the 2025-26 season, barring any offseason acquisitions.
Mrazek, who had a bounce-back season in 2024-25, may serve as a mentor figure, while Soderblom will continue to gain experience at the NHL level. The team hopes that healthy competition between the two will lead to improved results in the crease.
The Blackhawks are also keeping an eye on their goaltending pipeline, with prospects Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan showing promise in the minors and internationally. However, neither is expected to make a full-time leap to the NHL in the immediate future, making Soderblom’s role even more pivotal.
“Arvid is part of a bigger picture,” said Davidson. “As we rebuild this team from the ground up, we want to have a goaltending core that can grow with the rest of our young players. He fits that vision.”
Confidence from the Locker Room
Teammates have voiced their support for Soderblom, citing his calm demeanor and quiet determination as leadership qualities in a young locker room. Forward Lukas Reichel, a fellow European prospect, said the team is behind him.
“He works hard every day, and you can tell he wants to be better all the time,” Reichel said. “We’re all learning together, and he’s a big part of this group.”
Defenseman Alex Vlasic, who often played in front of Soderblom, added: “He never complains. Even in tough games, he keeps battling. That earns a lot of respect in here.”
Fan Reaction
Reaction from Blackhawks fans has been mixed, with some expressing concern over Soderblom’s poor numbers, while others see this as a calculated, low-risk move that maintains flexibility while developing talent internally.
“It’s not a flashy signing, but it’s a smart one,” one fan wrote on social media. “Give the kid some time and support, and we might have a solid goaltender on our hands.”
Others believe the extension signals that the Blackhawks are committed to patience during their rebuild, rather than making splashy moves that would sacrifice long-term goals.
A New Chapter
For Soderblom, the new deal represents more than just a financial commitment — it’s a vote of confidence. After two challenging seasons filled with ups and downs, he now has the security to focus on refining his craft and proving he can be a reliable NHL goaltender.
“I want to win here. I want to be part of the turnaround,” Soderblom said. “This city and this team deserve that, and I’m going to do everything I can to be ready when that moment comes.”
With the contract extension now signed, sealed, and announced, all eyes will be on Arvid Soderblom as he enters what could be a defining year in his career —
and a crucial piece in the Blackhawks’ long-term rebuild.
