Arvid Soderblom was likely not going to make the Chicago Blackhawks roster after Laurent Brossoit was signed this past offseason.
Arvid was one of the worst goalies in the NHL last season after what was supposed to have solidified himself as the team’s No. 1 netminder.
Instead, Soderblom was facing spending this season in Rockford until Brossoit required knee surgery that has kept him out to start the season.
Soderblom starts in goal tonight in what could be his final start of the season.
Just because Arvid made the opening night roster does not mean he has played much. He also got sick, which required him to miss some time.
With Petr Mrazek starting 10 of the first 12 games, Soderblom will get the start in goal against the Anaheim Ducks since it will be the second game of a back-to-back.
That might be it for Soderblom in the NHL with the Blackhawks as Brossoit should be back soon. Brossoit was supposed to be back with the team on this road trip, but it appears he has yet to rejoin the team.
Head coach Luke Richardson indicated both D-man Alec Martinez & goaltender Laurent Brossoit might join the team in San Jose. But that doesn't appear to be the case. #Blackhawks https://t.co/6NIMEIfrva
— Gail Kauchak (@littlegailk) October 30, 2024
Soderblom has played well in his two starts. It is a shame he could not play like that last season when he was giving up goals left and right. That poor season left the front office no choice but to upgrade the backup goaltender position.
Brossoit was one of the best backup netminders on the market. Once he gets back to being healthy, it would not be crazy to see him get a healthy workload, considering Mrazek has already logged a heavy schedule.
If Soderblom has another strong game, at least it will make everyone feel a bit more comfortable if he returns to the NHL roster in a case of an injury.
That is the only way he will be back with the Blackhawks the rest of the season. You hope nothing happens to Mrazek, as he was finally able to stay healthy for an entire season during the 2023-24 campaign. Soderblom’s struggles and Mrazek’s solid play are what allowed Petr to get a contract extension.
While Mrazek’s numbers have not been eye-popping, you do not want him missing any time, as he has done a great job keeping the Blackhawks in games.
