The future star of the Blackhawks' goal shows off his dedicated mask

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Joshua Deeds
September 28, 2023 (6:35)

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Having recently graduated to the NHL, Arvid Soderblom now joins the Blackhawks goalie tandem.

The team is banking on his ability to take on more responsibilities after he played 33 games with a 2.92 GAA and .905 SV% last season.

Arvid Soderblom's #Blackhawks mask for the 2023-24 season

You can see how much he loves the team with his new mask, with the feathers on each side and the black and white stripes, which are just like racing stripes to keep the design within the team colors.

Soderblom has proven himself to the Blackhawks and they believe in him despite his undrafted status and struggles in the AHL and NHL.

Why the Blackhawks believe Arvid Soderblom is their goalie of the future

«Corey Crawford had that same calmness,» Waite said. «It almost makes you nervous how calm they are, sometimes even in big games. Like, I remember, Crow, Stanley Cup playoffs and finals, you go see him and it's like you don't know he had a big game to play, and Arvid is like that as well.»

Jimmy Waite, the Blackhawks' goalie coach, feels that Soderblom and Corey Crawford have similar calmness in the net. This seems to be a huge compliment. The team feels he's underrated, especially with his big body, athletic ability, and his ability to make acrobatic saves.

Pete Aubry from Rockford raves about him as well when he is mentioned in interviews.

In Aubry's opinion, Soderblom has been NHL-ready since last season, despite a tough environment, and he believes he can be an elite goalie.

«I think he's got the ability to be a No. 1 and top-15 in the world. I have no problem saying that. I recognize environment is a huge part of someone's growth and perception. But in in the right environment, like I'm ecstatic about what he could become.»

From the AHL to the NHL, Soderblom has actively earned the trust of his coaches, and even Kyle Davidson seems to be on board.

To gain confidence in himself and the front office, Soderblom must keep improving his game. With a team lacking a solid defense, he went 15-12-5. Imagine how much more impressive he would look if he were surrounded by a competent defensive core.