The Boston Bruins wasted zero time signing Victor Soderstrom.
The B’s agreed to a one-year, two-way deal with the young defenseman on Saturday, just one day after acquiring his rights from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a seventh-round pick and defenseman Ryan Mast.
Soderstrom, 24, was a restricted free agent prior to signing the deal.
The Arizona Coyotes originally selected him No. 11 overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, moving him up and down between the NHL and AHL across his four seasons with the club. Soderstrom decided to head back home to Sweden last season to play for Brynas IF Gavle, though his rights were held by Chicago.
Soderstrom appeared in 49 games in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) during the 2024-25 season, recording nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points — winning the Börje Salming Trophy as the league’s best defenseman and leading all SHL skaters in plus-minus (+28).
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Boston has over $25 million in available cap space heading into the offseason, so this should be the first of many moves.
In a move that has thrilled Boston Bruins fans and added depth to their defensive unit, the organization has officially announced the signing of highly regarded defenseman Victor Söderström to a contract extension. The Bruins have reached an agreement with the talented young blueliner on a one-year, two-way contract, reflecting both confidence in his abilities and flexibility for the team’s roster planning moving forward.
This latest development is seen as a strategic decision by Bruins management, who have been focused on building a solid foundation of youthful talent while balancing experienced veterans. Söderström, a former first-round draft pick by the Arizona Coyotes in 2019, has long been viewed as a defenseman with high upside thanks to his strong hockey IQ, elite puck-moving skills, and steady presence on the back end. Though still young, he has already accumulated professional experience in both the NHL and AHL, making him a valuable depth option with potential to grow into a more permanent role.
The one-year, two-way nature of the deal means that Söderström will have the opportunity to earn a spot on the NHL roster while also giving the Bruins the flexibility to assign him to their AHL affiliate without requiring waivers, should they choose to do so. It’s a win-win arrangement that offers Söderström the chance to prove himself at the highest level while giving Boston insurance in case of injuries or performance issues throughout the season.
General Manager Don Sweeney expressed optimism about Söderström’s addition to the organization. “Victor is a smart, mobile defenseman who brings strong instincts and a lot of composure to his game,” said Sweeney. “We believe he has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and this contract gives us the flexibility to evaluate where he fits best within our group.”
Söderström’s signing is also a reflection of the Bruins’ continued efforts to maintain a competitive roster in the Eastern Conference. As Boston looks ahead to another playoff push, adding a young, NHL-ready defenseman into the mix enhances their overall depth. Söderström could serve as a capable fill-in should injuries occur on the blue line, or even compete for a more regular role if he impresses during training camp and preseason play.
Throughout his career, Söderström has demonstrated qualities that made him a coveted prospect. He’s poised with the puck, rarely panics under pressure, and is capable of making crisp outlet passes to spark the transition game. Though not the most physically imposing defenseman, he makes up for it with positioning, anticipation, and intelligent decision-making. These traits align well with the Bruins’ style of play, which emphasizes structure, responsibility, and smart puck movement from the defensive zone.
The extension also represents a fresh opportunity for Söderström, who may benefit from a change of scenery after several seasons of development within the Coyotes organization. With Boston’s strong culture, competitive atmosphere, and history of developing defensemen, he could thrive under the right guidance.
Fans have responded positively to the announcement, with many expressing excitement about Söderström’s potential to contribute meaningfully this season or in the near future. For a team constantly looking to remain in contention, signing a young, skilled defenseman to a low-risk deal is the kind of forward-thinking move that can pay dividends.
In summary, the Boston Bruins’ decision to extend Victor Söderström on a one-year, two-way deal is a smart, strategic move that adds depth and potential to their defensive corps. It gives Söderström a valuable opportunity to prove himself in a new system while providing the Bruins with flexibility and future upside. As the team continues to build toward long-term success, signings like this showcase their commitment to developing talent and staying competitive in the ever-demanding NHL landscape.
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