Blackhawks Player Grades: Arvid Soderblom

The Chicago Blackhawks have historically had a lot of success with signings from Scandinavian countries. The likes of Antti Niemi and Antti Raanta were solid goaltenders for the Hawks during the glory days. More recently, the young Arvid Soderblom was brought in to be part of the next wave of quality goaltenders from Sweden and Finland.

Unfortunately, Soderblom's first season as a goaltender was rough. He only suited up in 15 games and struggled with a 2-10-2 record, 3.45 goals-against average, and .894 save percentage. Despite the struggles, Soderblom was only 24 entering the 2023-24 season, meaning some improvement could be on the horizon. However, it was quite the opposite during the most recent campaign.

Story of the Season

Arvid Soderblom was expected to split time with Petr Mrazek entering the 2023-24 season. The veteran was entering the final year of his contract, meaning Soderblom could play his way into the starting job in 2024-25. However, Mrazek, as we've covered already , had an incredible season despite the horrific defensive play from the Blackhawks. The young Swede's numbers regressed in more action, carrying a 5-22-2 record , 3.92 goals-against average, and .880 save percentage in 32 total appearances.

Now, Soderblom has been replaced at the NHL level. Although Laurent Brossoit will have a late start to the season due to injury , his debut will send Soderblom to Rockford. Soderblom will split time with Drew Commesso, who's largely expected to be a goalie of the future for the Hawks. If Soderblom can't turn things around, he may be out of the organization altogether once the contract he signed before the 2023-24 season expires.

Player Grades

Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: F

Perhaps unfairly, Arvid Soderblom was thrust into the Blackhawks' backup goalie role in 2023-24. It was evident from the jump that he still needs more development time, as evidenced by his -23 goals saved above average. While Kyle Davidson deserves fair criticism for Soderblom being overexposed, the Swedish netminder didn't take advantage of an extended opportunity at the NHL level. One has to hope his confidence isn't rattled and he can shake off this past season as he returns to Rockford in 2024-25.

Tony Marchese's Grade: F-

No one on the Blackhawks had a worse year than Arvid Soderblom. While expectations for this past season were low, Soderblom found a way to make matters worse than anticipated in the net for Chicago. Highlighted by his 5-22-2 record on the season and an unsightly 3.92 goals-against average, Soderblom found himself the proverbial punching bag for fans and media throughout 2023-24 on many occasions.

There were small stretches in which he looked okay in net, but those spurts were often short lived. Soderblom likely played himself out of the Blackhawks' long-term plans with his performance, and barring any major turnaround in 2024-25, he now appears as nothing more than an organizational depth piece that will spend most of his days in the near future in the AHL.

Ron Luce's Grade: D+

Perhaps less brutal than my colleagues, there's no nice way to describe Arvid Soderblom's 2023-24 season. He was bad, often overexposed by his weaknesses, and showed a clear need for more development. To Kyle Davidson's credit, adding Lauren Brossoit will give Soderblom time to develop in Rockford alongside Drew Commesso in 2024-25. Additionally, the IceHogs should be quite competitive, setting up a potential rebound season for the young Swede. Like Jonnie said, hopefully his confidence isn't too rattled after the gong show that was 2023-24.

What's On Tap Next?

Arvid Soderblom will likely begin the 2024-25 season in the NHL but will quickly venture to Rockford once Laurent Brossoit returns from his offseason knee procedure. Ideally, Soderblom and Commesso split time and both can perform admirably. Then, he can have a positive development track beyond his contract's expiration this season.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Arvid Soderblom? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram !

Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube and the Four Feathers Podcast for more Chicago Blackhawks content, updates, and hot takes!