Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Arvid Soderblom

Entering the season, everyone knew Spencer Knight was viewed as the bell-cow goalie. He was going to get at least 50 starts, limiting the work that Soderblom would see as his backup. As a result, Soderblom appeared in just 26 games (24 starts), posting a 3.80 goals against average, .880 save percentage, and an 8-13-3 record.

Soderblom was an interesting case study for the Blackhawks. Often times, Soderblom would struggle against a lesser number of opposing shots. However, when teams posted high shot totals against, Soderblom stepped up to the challenge. In six games Soderblom faced at least 40 shots and in majority of those games, he kept the Hawks in it. Only two resulted in wins, but his poise in big situations definitely stood out.

Entering this season, Soderblom needs to showcase continued improvement. With just one year remaining on his deal, Soderblom’s future in Chicago looks bleak. However, he can showcase his talents to another team as he looks for another contract.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: C

It’s an odd experience to watch Arvid Soderblom play. Sodie will make incredible saves, keep pucks out on mad scrambles, and leave forwards wondering how they didn’t capitalize. The very next rush, however, a weak fluttering shot will go right past his glove. He is a decent backup, and that is very likely his ceiling. Like Al Montoya. With the likes of Adam Gajan and Drew Commesso rising through the ranks, this upcoming year may mark the end for Soderblom in a Blackhawks sweater.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: C+

At this point, it is pretty obvious what Arvid Soderblom is. A pretty decent backup NHL goaltender, with enough talent to start a decent share of games and keep a team in it. When it rains, it pours for Soderblom, and goals tend to come in bunches when he is having an off-night, but he still maintained a 8-13-3 record this season and served his purpose behind Spencer Knight.

Ron Luce’s Grade: C+

We know what Arvid Soderblom is nowadays. Sometimes he can be pretty good, sometimes he’s not so great. Soderblom’s future in Chicago looks bleak, especially in the wake of Drew Commesso’s new contract. He has one year remaining, and is certainly still good enough to stick around in the NHL. That said, now that Commesso and Knight are firmly in Chicago beyond next season, Soderblom’s days are numbered. Average season, at best, for Soderblom.

What’s On Tap Next?

Frankly, Drew Commesso is gunning for Soderblom’s job this season. Although the more experienced NHL goalie will get the first crack as Knight’s backup, Commesso is going to try his best to convince the
Hawks to give him a chance. A big season lies ahead for Arvid Soderblom in the last year of his current deal.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Arvid Soderblom? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Artyom Levshunov