The Arizona Coyotes announced they have signed defenseman Victor Soderstrom, the team’s 2019 first-round pick, to a three-year, entry-level contract. Terms have not been disclosed.
“Victor is a highly skilled player and an elite prospect,” said Arizona general manager John Chayka. “We are very pleased to get him signed and look forward to having him come to training camp and compete for a spot on our roster.”
Soderstrom, the 11th-overall pick in the draft, was highly coveted by the Coyotes, so much so that Arizona traded their second-round pick to Philadelphia to move up three places in the first round to select him. The 6-foot, 187-pound blueliner already played a full season in the SHL last season with Brynas, posting four goals and seven points. He is known to be a two-way defenseman, who is an excellent skater with great awareness.
While many expect Soderstrom to return to Sweden next season, the signing of the entry-level deal could change that. He is eligible to play in the AHL and after a season in which he played with men in Sweden, the Coyotes might want him to come over to North America sooner and adjust to the smaller rink size in hopes he could be ready to play for Arizona as soon as possible. Of course, the Coyotes could still decide to loan him to his former team in Sweden as well, but Arizona gets to make that decision now.