The Chicago Blackhawks have nabbed one of the top goaltenders in the SHL, agreeing to terms with Arvid Soderblom on a two-year entry-level contract. Soderblom, an undrafted free agent, will join the organization for the 2021-22 season and carry a cap hit of $883,750.
A casual fan would be forgiven for not knowing much about Soderblom, given he had rarely even appeared at the SHL level before this season, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been on the radar of NHL teams. The 21-year-old posted a dominant .924 save percentage at the Allsvenskan level (AHL equivalent) last season and then continued that performance in the SHL this year. In 22 appearances for AIK Skelleftea, he recorded a 2.03 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. In two playoff starts he stopped 58 of 61 shots.
After a brilliant start to the season, Kevin Lankinen came back to earth a bit for the Blackhawks, finishing with a .909 save percentage. Though a rookie, Lankinen is already 26 and will be an unrestricted free agent after next season. The same can be said for both Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban, meaning there is still an opening in the Chicago net down the line. Soderblom has a lot more to prove before he takes that spot, but adding another talented player to the depth chart is always worth it.