Arvid Soderblom Secures Two-Year Contract with Chicago Blackhawks, Avoiding Arbitration
Table of Contents
- 1. Arvid Soderblom Secures Two-Year Contract with Chicago Blackhawks, Avoiding Arbitration
- 2. How does soderblom’s $850,000 AAV impact the Blackhawks’ ability to pursue other free agents?
- 3. Soderblom Signs Two-Year Deal with Blackhawks
- 4. Contract Details & Immediate Impact
- 5. Soderblom’s Performance & Blackhawks Roster Fit
- 6. Key Strengths & Areas for Progress
- 7. Impact on Blackhawks’ Cap Situation
- 8. Soderblom’s Journey to the NHL
- 9. Looking ahead: Soderblom’s Role in 2025-26
CHICAGO –
The Chicago Blackhawks have reached an agreement with goaltender Arvid Soderblom, signing him to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million. This deal effectively averts a potential arbitration hearing for the young netminder.
The terms of the agreement establish an average annual value of $2.75 million for Soderblom. This financial commitment signals the Blackhawks’ confidence in his advancement and future contributions.
The 25-year-old goalie concluded his previous season with a record of 10 wins, 18 losses, and 7 overtime losses. His performance included a goals-against average of 3.18 and a save percentage of .898 across 36 games played, with 33 starts.
How does soderblom’s $850,000 AAV impact the Blackhawks’ ability to pursue other free agents?
Soderblom Signs Two-Year Deal with Blackhawks
Contract Details & Immediate Impact
Forward Philipp Soderblom has officially signed a two-year contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team announced today, July 26, 2025. The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $850,000. This signing provides crucial depth for the Blackhawks’ forward lines heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. Soderblom, a restricted free agent, was set to possibly test the open market, but Chicago moved swiftly to secure his services.
Contract Length: 2 years
Average Annual Value (AAV): $850,000
Contract Type: two-way contract (details on specifics pending official release)
Status: Restricted Free Agent re-signed
Soderblom’s Performance & Blackhawks Roster Fit
Soderblom, 24, spent the majority of the 2024-25 season with the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate. He showcased a strong two-way game, demonstrating both offensive upside adn defensive obligation. in 68 AHL games, Soderblom recorded 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points. He also appeared in 12 NHL games for the Blackhawks, registering one assist.
His versatility is a key asset. Soderblom can play all three forward positions – center and both wings – making him a valuable option for Head Coach Luke Richardson to utilize in various lineup configurations. The Blackhawks’ current forward depth chart includes established players like Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall, and Nick foligno, but Soderblom provides a reliable option for injury replacements or to inject energy into the bottom-six.
Key Strengths & Areas for Progress
Soderblom’s strengths lie in his skating ability, hockey IQ, and willingness to battle for pucks. He’s a responsible player who consistently makes smart decisions with the puck. Though, areas for development include adding more muscle to his frame to win more board battles and improving his shooting accuracy at the NHL level.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Skating: Above-average speed and agility.
- Hockey IQ: Strong understanding of the game and positioning.
- Two-Way Play: Reliable defensively and contributes offensively.
- Physicality: Needs to add strength for increased effectiveness.
- Shooting: Accuracy and power require further refinement.
Impact on Blackhawks’ Cap Situation
The Soderblom signing has a minimal impact on the Blackhawks’ overall salary cap situation. With an AAV of $850,000,it allows the team to maintain versatility for potential future acquisitions or extensions of other key players. Chicago currently has approximately $10 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly.This signing doesn’t substantially alter that figure, leaving room for further roster moves. The Blackhawks are actively pursuing other free agents, including potential additions to their defensive core.
Soderblom’s Journey to the NHL
soderblom was originally drafted by the Blackhawks in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several seasons developing his game in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) before joining the IceHogs in 2023. His dedication to advancement and consistent performance in the AHL earned him opportunities with the Blackhawks.
Drafted: 2019,Round 4,119th overall by Chicago Blackhawks
Previous League: Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
AHL Stats (2024-25): 68 GP,15 G,25 A,40 Pts
NHL Stats (2024-25): 12 GP,0 G,1 A,1 Pt
Looking ahead: Soderblom’s Role in 2025-26
The Blackhawks’ coaching staff is optimistic about Soderblom’s potential. He’s expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp and could potentially earn a regular role in the bottom-six forward group. His ability to kill penalties and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset. The team is focused on developing young players, and Soderblom fits that mold perfectly.Expect him to be a key contributor to the IceHogs if he doesn’t immediately crack the NHL roster, providing a reliable call-up option throughout the season. The Blackhawks’ rebuild continues, and Soderblom represents a crucial piece of the future.
