New NHL Implemented Roster Rule Severely Affects Blackhawks' Goaltending Situation

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Joshua Deeds
November 27, 2024 (3:05 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks are in a tough situation. With Laurent Brossoit missing significant time since his meniscus surgery in the summer, and no timetable to return, Arvid Soderblom remains the backup.

Arvid Soderblom is at a crossroads with the Blackhawks organization, a problem of their own doing. Soderblom has officially played 56 NHL games, and once he crosses the 60-games played mark, he'll have to clear waivers to return to Rockford.

The goalie has performed above expectations with a .926 save percentage in 6 games.

We're now approaching the two-month mark into the season, and the Blackhawks are still somehow without backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit. The most highly touted acquisition of Chicago's busy offseason has been completely missing since he underwent surgery back in August.

If Soderblom plays four more games for the Blackhawks this season, he'll have to clear waivers before he reports to the AHL.

Soderblom has played exceptionally well this season and has arguably cleaned up his act from last year.

The Swedish goalie has played well in front of a team that hasn't played their best hockey.

According to NHL roster rules, if Soderblom plays in four more games for the Blackhawks this season, he'll have to pass through waivers to be sent to Rockford. That obviously impacts his usage now, but it could also hamper Chicago down the road - what if Mrazek or Brossoit gets injured? They'd have to call Soderblom up and keep him there or opt for Commesso, who still isn't ready for the next level.

With NHL teams desperate for solid goaltending, Soderblom has inexplicably put a target on his back, as a future waiver claim should Chicago have to go through this route.

Given that injuries occur, Soderblom will eventually have to be recalled if sent back down to the AHL.

He'll easily pass the 60-game threshold unless Brossoit returns to the lineup soon.

Of course, they could always call up Drew Commesso, but it is unlikely that he's ready for an NHL start so early in his career.

They could call up a wildcard option in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel if they do send down Soderblom soon.

That wildcard would be Mitchell Weeks, who is a 23-year-old who has seen major playing time in the AHL and ECHL recently.

Or to solve this problem, they could simply claim or make a trade for a third goalie, as teams sometimes decide to utilize a three-goalie system. I.E. the Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings in 2023.

With 6 games played this season, Soderblom has a record of 1-4-1, with a 2.36 GAA, and a .926 save percentage.