Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced on Friday, June 13, that the team has acquired the rights to defenseman Victor Söderström from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Ryan Mast and a seventh-round pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
By moving on from Mast, a sixth-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, the Bruins are parting with a 6-foot-5 right-shot defenseman who struggled to secure a consistent role on the Providence Bruins’ blue line. Since turning pro, Mast has skated in 47 games with the ECHL’s Maine Mariners, where he tallied five goals and 11 assists. Over two seasons in Providence, he appeared in 44 games and recorded five assists.
With Söderström, the Bruins acquire the rights to the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, originally selected by the Arizona Coyotes. The Swedish defenseman spent parts of four seasons with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, posting 16 goals and 66 assists across 170 games. He also appeared in 53 NHL games with Arizona over that span, recording one goal and 10 assists.
Following the Coyotes’ relocation to Utah, Söderström chose to return to Sweden. At this year’s trade deadline, Utah dealt his rights—along with Aku Räty and Shea Weber—to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. Rumors later indicated that Chicago had would not be extending him a contract offer.
Söderström is coming off a standout campaign in which he tallied nine goals and 28 assists over 49 games, earning the Börje Salming Trophy as the SHL’s top defenseman. He remains under contract with Brynäs IF for the upcoming season—adding a layer of complexity to the Bruins’ plans.
Under the NHL-IIHF transfer agreement, European players competing in leagues governed by the IIHF—such as the SHL—have the option to terminate their European contracts by June 15 to sign with an NHL team. While signings are still possible after that deadline, they come with added complexities and financial hurdles. A prime example: the Bruins’ protracted efforts in 2013 to secure Carl Söderberg’s release from Sweden.
Given that the Blackhawks were unlikely to extend a qualifying offer (if rumors were true)—making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1—it stands to reason that the Bruins have a level of confidence in their ability to secure him under contract, otherwise why trade for him?
So, what are the Bruins getting in Söderström?
Position: Right Defense
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 196 lbs
Born: February 26, 2001 (Gävle, Sweden)
Drafted: 11th overall, 2019 NHL Entry Draft (Arizona Coyotes)
Current Team: Brynäs IF (SHL)
Skating & Mobility
Söderström’s most defining attribute is his elite skating ability. He’s fluid on his edges, with excellent lateral movement and acceleration. His mobility allows him to evade forecheckers, close gaps defensively, and transition the puck with confidence. His stride is smooth and efficient, making him a strong puck carrier and a reliable option in transition.
Hockey IQ & Decision-Making
He’s a high-IQ, cerebral defenseman who reads the game exceptionally well. Söderström rarely forces plays and is adept at making smart, calculated decisions under pressure. He excels at breaking out of the defensive zone with clean passes and has shown poise quarterbacking a power play. His ability to anticipate plays both offensively and defensively is a hallmark of his game. He also excels in puck retrieval.
Offensive Upside
Söderström has developed into a capable offensive contributor, particularly in the SHL. He can be a flashy offensive dynamo at times, but he’s efficient and effective—especially from the point, where he uses a quick release and sharp vision to create scoring chances.
Defensive Play
While not physically imposing, Söderström defends with positioning, stick work, and awareness. He’s not the type to dominate with brute strength, but he’s reliable in his own zone and rarely caught out of position. His defensive game has matured with experience, and he’s shown the ability to handle top-pairing minutes in Sweden.
Development Path & Projection
After being drafted by Arizona, Söderström split time between the NHL, AHL, and SHL. He’s logged 53 NHL games with modest production (1 goal, 10 assists) and spent significant time with the Tucson Roadrunners. His return to Sweden in 2024–25 appears to have rejuvenated his game.
At his best, he still projects as a middle-pairing NHL defenseman with power-play utility. His skating and hockey sense give him a strong foundation, and with the right opportunity, he could carve out a meaningful role in Boston’s lineup. His floor is an AHL defenseman.
Well worth the try!
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