The goalie market is very weak this offseason and there are a number of teams still scrambling to find an upgrade anywhere. The Chicago Blackhawks seem rich in that area with Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom. While the two are generally expected to share the net next season with some more starts going to Knight, Soderblom may be used in a different way to bring in more talent up front.
The Blackhawks should only consider trading Soderblom if it does actually get them an impactful NHL player on the younger side. It may not be too easy to find that.
While Drew Commesso isn't ready yet, the assumption is that Knight is going to be the starter moving forward. Whether it's now or later, I think Soderblom will be dealt somewhere else. He had a strong 2024-25 season, but who knows what could happen in 2025-26 to alter his trade value.
Some teams may have to stay patient, and if Soderblom just gets a 1-2 year deal in arbitration on top of a good first half to the season, his value could skyrocket. Despite the 31st place finish, the lack of offense, and young, inexperienced defensemen, the Blackhawks goalies performed well last season for the most part, Soderblom included.
An extra year of development and experience for the defensemen and other players on the team should help overall.
Soderblom is just 25 years old and coming off of his best season in the NHL. He had a 3.18 GAA, .898 SV%, and 0.96 goals saved above expected. This is all on the second worst team in the NHL too, so his numbers would be much better on many teams, especially likely playoff-bound teams desperate for better goaltending.
There aren't any better immediate options for the Blackhawks' backup spot if Soderblom is traded this summer unless a goalie is headed back in return, so don't expect a trade right now despite his value. If the Blackhawks aren't a good team again, you might start to hear his name come up.
