The Blackhawks added some veteran center depth on Saturday, announcing the signing of center Carl Soderberg to a one-year deal worth $1 million.
Soderberg, a 35-year-old Sweden native, spent the 2019-20 season with the Coyotes while scoring 17 goals with 18 assists in 70 games. During nine postseason games, he added one goal and one assist as Arizona was eliminated in the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Avalanche.
A veteran of eight NHL seasons, Soderberg was originally a second-round pick (49th overall) of the St. Louis Blues in the 2004 NHL Draft, although he never appeared in a game with the Blues. Soderberg was traded to Boston in 2007 but remained in Sweden until late in the 2013 season, making his NHL debut for the Bruins on April 20 of that year. Soderberg appeared in two games during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Blackhawks but did not tally a point in 24:30 of total ice time.
Known as a strong two-way player, Soderberg’s addition provides another center with strong defensive game in the organization, similar to previous offseason acquisitions like Lucas Wallmark and Mattias Janmark.
It also provides another depth option following the injury of Kirby Dach during the World Juniors, with Dach’s absence expected to carry well into the upcoming season.
Bowman: “He has shown the ability to score and match up, which is critical in today’s game, and he also brings consistency and versatility to the team, evidenced by his usage on both special teams as well as even-strength play.” #Blackhawks https://t.co/DF5IgGJXwE
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 26, 2020