As the offseason wears on and so many free agents remain unsigned, it seems like a near certainty that an established NHL talent is going to wind up forced out of the league by a lack of opportunity. With so many teams battling a lack of cap flexibility in light of the flat salary cap, players who know they are worth more than a minimum NHL contract might need to look elsewhere for a substantial paycheck. The scenario hasn’t played out yet, but it seems like a matter of time.
Could Carl Soderberg be the first victim? The veteran center remains unsigned despite a complete two-way game and a history of success. Soderberg, 35, came over to the NHL later in his career but still has seven full seasons under his belt, in six of which he has recorded at least a dozen goals and 35-plus points. Soderberg is also a defensive asset, relied on at the faceoff dot and for defensive zone starts. Soderberg’s per-game production declined last season, but so did his ice time. A player who spent the past five seasons at a $4.75M AAV has not really proved that he is worth much less on his next deal, yet that kind of money might not be available in the NHL.
As a result, whispers have started to emerge out of Europe. The Swiss Hockey News cites sources in Switzerland as well as in Sweden that claim Soderberg is in consideration ,and the interest is mutual. Just like in the NHL, there is some concern about the effect of COVID-19 on season lengths and clubs’ earning potentials, but there will still be a number of teams abroad that are interested in bringing in an established NHLer to lead their squad. One team specifically mentioned is the SHL’s Malmo, Soderberg’s junior program and the club he spent his first eight pro seasons with. However, there is some speculation that Malmo might not be the most likely landing spot. Someone will get lucky, however, unless an NHL team jumps in the mix and convinces him that a value deal to remain in North America is his best choice to continue his career.
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