Analyzing Goalie Prospect Arvid Soderblom And His Path To The NHL

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Jared
June 7, 2022 (1:08)

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As the playoffs are winding down to the end, it is time to begin analyzing the Blackhawks prospect pipeline to see which players could potentially fill gaps on the main roster next season. There is one young goaltender who might be able to make the transition to the NHL next season, at least in a backup role. That player is Arvid Soderblom.

Soderblom went undrafted before signing with the Blackhawks on May 17, 2021. Before coming to the Rockford IceHogs, Soderblom played in the SHL, posting a .922 save percentage and a 2.03 goals against average in 22 starts. Soderblom was given a chance in Chicago this season but ultimately proved he wasn't quite ready to make the leap. He started 3 games, posting a 5.01 goals against average and .863 save percentage. While the stats aren't pretty, he played better than the numbers showed. Derek King stated after his 2nd start that he was hung out to dry due to the bad defense played in front of him.

While Soderblom wasn't impressive at the NHL level, he played quite well in Rockford. In 38 games for the IceHogs, Soderblom accumulated a .919 save percentage and a 2.76 goals against average. At 6'3», Soderblom is above average in terms of size of goalies currently in the NHL, which allows him to stand a little taller in net. Soderblom possesses a strong ability to keep his net, slide post to post, and to see pucks through screens from the point. He also has above average rebound control and agility. Soderblom has the skillset to be an NHL goalie, but when could we see his Rockford play translate to the NHL?

The development of goaltending is one of the most difficult things to do in hockey. If a goalie is brought up too soon, he may not be fully capable of being able to keep up with the way NHL skaters pass and shoot. If a goalie is down in the minors for too long, you could be wasting valuable years to build his talent. In my opinion, Soderblom could be an option at the NHL level this season in a backup role but should start the season in Rockford. The 22-year-old will have a shot in training camp to impress Kyle Davidson and could force himself into consideration for a roster spot.

Kyle Davidson has also stated that Soderblom may not be NHL ready yet, but is excited for what he will bring to the team in the future. While it may be too soon for Soderblom to jump to the NHL full time, none of us have a crystal ball. His growth and play should be monitored very closely because he has the talent and skills to be something special.