There’s a real chance Victor Soderstrom never suits up for the Boston Bruins, especially if he chooses to remain in Sweden following a strong 2024-25 campaign. While Friday’s trade with the Chicago Blackhawks — where Boston gave up Ryan Mast and a fifth-round pick — may have seemed minor, Soderstrom brings potential value if he eventually returns to North America and puts it all together.
Originally selected 11th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2019 draft, Soderstrom played a season and a half in Sweden before coming over to North America. He notched 10 points in 32 AHL games and added two points in four NHL appearances. The Coyotes were puzzled by his inability to translate AHL success to the NHL. After the franchise relocated to Utah, Soderstrom opted to go back to Sweden and was later dealt to the Blackhawks during the 2024-25 season.
Chicago likely acquired him due to his standout play for Brynäs in Sweden, where he posted 37 points in 49 games, led the league with a +28 rating, and earned the Salming Award as the top defenseman. However, despite his stellar European performance, Chicago traded him — perhaps believing he had no intention of returning to the NHL. If that’s true, the Bruins probably knew as well. It’s more likely he simply wasn’t interested in playing in Chicago, leading the Blackhawks to cash in on his value.
During his time with Arizona, he went pointless in 16 NHL games but continued to shine in the AHL, including a 2023-24 season with a career-high 32 points in 62 games.
Now, the question is whether the Bruins can persuade him to make another run at the NHL. Boston has a history of successful Swedish players, and the presence of fellow Swedes like Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm, and likely Fabian Lysell could ease Soderstrom’s transition.
If he chooses not to return, the trade is still low-risk for Boston. But fans should hold off on making any judgments until Soderstrom and the Bruins reveal their next steps.
Be the first to comment