Summary
Victor Soderstrom, a defenseman for the Boston Bruins organization, is reportedly planning to leave North America. After spending most of the current season in the minor leagues, the former first-round pick is expected to sign with EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland. This move comes after Soderstrom struggled to find a permanent spot in the NHL despite showing strong skills in the American Hockey League (AHL). His departure marks the end of his recent attempt to establish himself as a regular player in the best league in the world.
Main Impact
The decision for Soderstrom to move to the Swiss league is a major turning point in his career. At just 25 years old, he is still in his prime years as an athlete. By moving overseas, he is choosing a path that offers more guaranteed playing time and a significant role on a team. For the Boston Bruins, this means losing a talented depth player who provided insurance for their defense. For Soderstrom, it is a chance to step out of the cycle of being called up and sent down between different levels of professional hockey.
Key Details
What Happened
Soderstrom joined the Boston Bruins organization with the hope of finally staying in the NHL. He signed a two-way contract, which means he could be paid different salaries depending on whether he played in the NHL or the AHL. Unfortunately, he did not make the main roster out of training camp. He had to go through a process called waivers, where any other team could have taken him for free, but no one did. He spent almost the entire year playing for the Providence Bruins in the AHL, except for a short eight-game period in December where he played for the big club in Boston.
Important Numbers and Facts
Soderstrom was originally a very high draft pick, taken 11th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2019. During his short time with Boston this year, he played eight games and recorded one assist. He played about 13 minutes per game during that stretch. In the AHL, his numbers were much more impressive. He played 57 games for Providence, scoring nine goals and adding 21 assists for a total of 30 points. His efforts helped Providence achieve the best record in the entire AHL this season, winning them the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy.
Background and Context
To understand why Soderstrom is leaving, it helps to look at his history. After his first contract with Arizona ended, he actually went back to Sweden to play for a team called Brynas. Arizona still owned his rights in the NHL, so they traded those rights to the Chicago Blackhawks. Eventually, Boston acquired him. This shows that many teams saw potential in him, but none were ready to give him a full-time job on their main defense unit.
In the NHL, there is a rule regarding "Group Six" free agents. This applies to players who are 25 or older, have played several professional seasons, but have not played in enough NHL games. Because Soderstrom fits this description, he will become a free agent this summer. He could have tried to sign with another NHL team, but he likely realized he would face the same situation elsewhere. The Swiss league is known for high-quality hockey and good pay, making it a popular choice for players in his position.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey analysts view this move as a smart but tough choice. Soderstrom is often described as a "tweener." This is a term for a player who is too good for the minor leagues but has not yet proven they can handle the speed and physical play of the NHL every night. Fans in Providence are disappointed to see him go, as he was a leader on their defense. However, many experts believe that playing in Switzerland will allow him to play more minutes and regain the confidence he might have lost while sitting on the bench or playing in the minors.
What This Means Going Forward
By joining EHC Biel-Bienne, Soderstrom will become one of the top defenders in the Swiss league. This move does not mean his NHL career is over forever. Many players go to Europe, improve their game, and return to North America a few years later. For now, he will focus on the AHL playoffs with Providence. Since his team has the best record, they have a great chance to win the championship. Once the playoffs are over, he will likely head to Switzerland to start the next chapter of his life.
Final Take
Victor Soderstrom’s story is a reminder of how difficult it is to stay at the top level of professional sports. Even being a first-round draft pick does not guarantee a long career in the NHL. His move to Switzerland is a practical decision to prioritize his development and happiness on the ice. While he may be leaving North America for now, his talent remains obvious, and a successful run in Europe could eventually open doors for a return to the big stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Victor Soderstrom leaving the NHL?
He is leaving because he has not been able to secure a permanent spot on an NHL roster. He spent most of this season in the minor leagues and wants a chance to play more consistent, high-level hockey in Europe.
Which team is he expected to join?
Reports indicate that he will sign with EHC Biel-Bienne, a professional hockey team located in Switzerland.
Can he ever come back to the NHL?
Yes. Since he will be a free agent, he can choose to sign with any NHL team in the future if he decides to return to North America after his time in Switzerland.
