Arvid Soderblom has secured a two-year contract extension worth $5.5 million with the Chicago Blackhawks, avoiding arbitration. Soderblom, 25, showcased his potential last season, posting a 10-18-7 record along with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage across 36 games.

This deal will keep him with the Blackhawks through the 2026-27 season. Notably, Soderblom achieved career highs in both wins (10) and games played (36), further solidifying his role as a goaltender in the NHL. Despite a challenging start in his career with a 17-52-11 record and GAA of 3.55 over 86 games, this extension indicates confidence from the Blackhawks as they look to build a competitive roster.

The Chicago Blackhawks are at a significant crossroads with goaltender Petr Mrazek, as the team's recent acquisitions and player development suggest a shift towards the future. The emergence of Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom as viable options has left Mrazek’s tenure in Chicago precarious. Reports indicate the Blackhawks are actively looking to trade Mrazek before the deadline, but they must navigate the challenge of doing so without salary retention, which complicates matters.

With a cap hit of $4.25 million and a year left on his contract, Mrazek could attract interest from non-playoff teams seeking to strengthen their goaltending for the next season. Despite his respectable .906 save percentage and improved performance last season, the Blackhawks' young and inconsistent roster limits Mrazek's playing time. Trading him before the deadline remains a possibility, but the Blackhawks might find it more feasible to wait until the summer for a more advantageous deal.

The Chicago Blackhawks made a significant move in the NHL by trading defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers, a deal reflecting both team dynamics and future aspirations. In exchange, the Blackhawks received promising young goalie Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in 2026. This trade not only addresses immediate needs but also adds depth to the Blackhawks' goaltending situation.

Spencer Knight, entering the final year of his $4.5 million AAV deal, offers a fresh start for a Chicago team struggling in net. His contract structure provides flexibility, as he will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. With Knight's arrival, the Blackhawks now face a decision regarding their existing goalies, Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom, particularly as Mrazek has a higher cap hit and would require waivers should he be sent down.