The Chicago Blackhawks have signed goaltender Arvid Soderblom to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.75 million, totaling $5.5 million. The deal, announced on Saturday, avoids an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for July 28. Soderblom, who will turn 26 in August, is now under contract with the Blackhawks through the 2026-27 season.
Soderblom's new contract comes after a season where he played a career-high 36 games, posting a 10-18-7 record with a 3.18 goals-against average (GAA) and a .898 save percentage (SV%). While these numbers might not be exceptional, they represent a significant improvement from his 2023-24 season, where he recorded a 3.92 GAA and a .879 SV%. Throughout his 86 career NHL games, all with the Blackhawks, Soderblom has a 17-52-11 record, a 3.55 GAA, and a .889 SV%.
The Swedish goaltender's improved performance in the 2024-25 season helped him secure the new contract and a more prominent role in the Blackhawks' goaltending plans. General Manager Kyle Davidson's willingness to pay Soderblom an AAV in the high $2 million range before arbitration indicates that the team views him as a valuable asset.
With the new contract for Soderblom, the Blackhawks face a crowded crease. Spencer Knight is considered the team's number one goalie. The Blackhawks also have Drew Commesso and Stanislav Berezhnoy under contract. Veteran Laurent Brossoit is also expected to be healthy for training camp after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season.
The Blackhawks acquired Knight from the Florida Panthers, and he is expected to be the team's starting goalie. Knight, who is entering the final year of his contract, posted a .893 save percentage and a 3.18 goals against average in 15 games for the Blackhawks. Soderblom's improved play and new contract position him as a strong backup option to Knight.
Soderblom's journey to the NHL began as an undrafted free agent signed by Chicago in 2021. Before coming to North America, he played nine seasons in Sweden's domestic system, including a stint with Skelleftea AIK in the Swedish Elite League. In 2020-21, he went 13-8-0 with a .921 SV% and a 2.03 GAA, helping Skelleftea AIK reach the playoffs. He also represented Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, appearing in one game and earning a win.
The Blackhawks' decision to sign Soderblom highlights their focus on solidifying their goaltending depth as they continue to rebuild. With Knight expected to be the starter, Soderblom will likely serve as the primary backup, providing stability and experience in net. The Blackhawks' goaltending situation will be one to watch as the 2025-26 season approaches.
