The Chicago Blackhawks remain firmly in rebuild mode, entering year three of the Connor Bedard era. They’re not ready to contend just yet, but signs of progress are emerging as they work their way back toward NHL relevance.
Their latest move reinforces that trajectory — the team avoided arbitration with goaltender Arvid Soderblom, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $2.75 million annually. With Soderblom re-signed, Chicago’s goaltending duo is set, and there’s real optimism that it could become one of the NHL’s best this coming season.
Soderblom will back up Spencer Knight, who stepped in as the Blackhawks’ starter last season. Though the two shared limited time in what was largely a lost season for the team, they showed promise. Both ranked among the NHL’s top 30 in high-danger save percentage in 2024–25 — Knight stopped just over 79% of unblocked high-danger shots, while Soderblom edged him slightly at just over 80%.
According to MoneyPuck, the expected save percentage on the shots Soderblom faced was under 69%, making his performance nearly 12% better than expected — outpacing even elite names like Logan Thompson and Igor Shesterkin.
One major challenge, however, was Chicago’s porous defense. The Blackhawks struggled to block shots and maintain structure in their own zone. Knight had just 19% of shots blocked, while Soderblom saw slightly more at just over 20%. Among goalies with at least 15 games played, those marks ranked near the bottom of the league.
Despite the lack of support, both goaltenders held their own, suggesting that even marginal improvements from the defense could have a major impact. If the skaters in front of them can tighten up structurally and get in shooting lanes more consistently, it could dramatically shift the team’s defensive effectiveness.
Age is also on the Blackhawks’ side. Knight, 24, and Soderblom, 25, are still developing, with 95 and 86 career starts respectively. Both have the upside to be long-term No. 1 options, and that internal competition could fuel growth and consistency.
While the Blackhawks may not be playoff-ready just yet, they’ve found stability — and potentially star power — in net. If their goaltending tandem continues to trend upward, it could be the foundation that pulls Chicago back into contention sooner than expected.
Leave a Reply