Victor Söderström's NHL Dream Comes Back Into Focus with Trade to Chicago

Swedish-born defenseman Victor Söderström now finds himself with an intriguing twist added to his journey with the trade of his NHL rights from Utah HC to Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline. He has been having a bright season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Brynäs IF, which now has opened new opportunities for him in North America. The 24-year-old has been sore-galled for some time with unsuccessful runs to cement his place in the NHL and is now setting his sights on a possible return, seeing Chicago as a feasible destination. However, for now, all his focus is on the SHL playoffs before he can start to plan his future.

Drafted 11th overall by Arizona in 2019, Victor Söderström was met with huge expectations. Yet, his NHL journey has only limited opportunities: 53 NHL games in four seasons, and most of his time in the AHL. When the Coyote's hockey operations went to Utah, he thought his situation had barely changed. Instead of signing with Utah, he chose to return to Brynäs IF, rekindling his love for hockey and rising to become a key player.

Brynäs, now back in the SHL, has surpassed all expectations this season. Söderström, with a top-notch performance, has notched 36 points in 48 games, ranking among the best defensemen in the league. His contributions have helped Brynäs secure the first overall place heading into the playoffs. Even though he has one year remaining on his contract with Brynäs, the recent trade to Chicago has provided him with a new path to return to the NHL.

Söderström has admitted he and his team were talking about a return but will finish the season in Sweden before anything happens. With Chicago still in a rebuilding phase, they will be able to offer Söderström the NHL ice time he has so far missed out on. The franchise is primed for young talent, making it an optimal environment for him to find his feet at the top level.
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For now, he is focused on helping Brynäs through the SHL playoffs, but his NHL dreams remain alive. The trade to Chicago has opened doors that he thought were shut, and he stands now at the crossroads of his career. Whether he stays in Sweden another season or makes the jump back to North America, it is certain that his NHL story isn't over. Interest from Chicago only indicates the league's belief in his potential, putting his next step as one of the most awaited of his career.