A restricted free agent goalie has a new deal, thus avoiding salary arbitration. News emerged that Arvid Soderblom has agreed to a new contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks. This deal is for two years and is for $5.5 million. The agreement has an average salary cap hit of $2.75 million and runs through the end of the 2026-27 season.
Chicago and Arvid Soderblom avoid arbitration
2 x $2.75M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 26, 2025
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Arvid Soderblom Contract Extension Signed by Hawks
Soderblom has only suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks over his four-year NHL career. The 25-year-old went 10-18-7 with a 3.18 goals against average this season. He also carded an .898 save percentage and had no shutouts.
The Gothenburg, Sweden native has a career mark of 17 wins, 52 losses and 11 overtime losses in 86 career appearances. He also has a career goals against average of 3.55 and a save percentage of .889. Chicago originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2021.
Soberblom played for both Frolunda and Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League before making the jump to North America. He has also represented his native Sweden at the international level. The young goalie was recently part of the Swedish team that won the bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championships.
What It Means
Soderblom may not have the best numbers, but some of that is on the Blackhawks struggles all around in recent seasons. This is a young team still trying to figure things out, so it’s hard to pin everything on the goalie.
One wonders what the fit will be for Soderblom with Spencer Knight coming over from the Florida Panthers. However, it seems the young netminder will figure into the mix in the crease.
Chicago has work to do and Soderblom will at least have a shot to find his place in the blue paint. However, the Blackhawks are trying to finally move up the standings after languishing at or near the bottom of the league.
Main photo by: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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