Oilers eye Soderblom as crease contender in bold trade bid with Blackhawks to boost playoff chances
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a crucial juncture in the current season, seeking reinforcement in the crease as they gear up for a competitive playoff run. While the duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has been reliable, the upcoming week brings a flurry of activity on the waiver wire. This scenario opens a window for the Oilers to explore potential trades, particularly a bold proposal that could see them acquire goaltender Arvid Soderblom from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Potential Trade Dynamics
In this proposed trade, the Oilers would gain a goaltender capable of challenging Skinner for the starting position, all while retaining both Skinner and Pickard. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, would receive Brett Kulak, a solid defender, and Mattias Janmark, a versatile forward.
Soderblom, a 26-year-old netminder, boasts 86 games of regular-season experience. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 180 pounds, he has tallied 10 wins, a 3.18 goals against average (GAA), and an .898 save percentage over 36 games, despite playing for one of the league’s struggling teams.
For the Blackhawks, acquiring Kulak, who has previously played for the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens, would enrich their defensive lineup. The 31-year-old defender, also 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, achieved career highs in goals (7), assists (18), and points (25) during the 2024-25 season, along with an average ice time of 20:32. Janmark would add depth to the forward ranks, offering flexibility as Chicago aims to transition back into playoff contention.
Connections Fueling the Trade Consideration
Several factors make this proposed trade particularly intriguing. The Oilers’ current GM, Stan Bowman, has a history with Soderblom that dates back to May 2021, when the young goaltender signed a two-year Entry-Level Contract worth $925,000 per season. Bowman’s tendency to bring in players he’s previously worked with adds another layer of possibility to this scenario.
In a similar vein, the Oilers recently claimed defender Alec Regula off waivers, who had signed his own Entry-Level Contract with the Blackhawks during Bowman’s tenure. Furthermore, Soderblom has familiarity with the Oilers’ new goalie coach, Peter Aubry, who served as the Blackhawks’ goalie development coach for many years. Aubry has expressed confidence in Soderblom’s potential, stating, “I think he’s got the ability to be a No. 1… in the right environment, I’m ecstatic about what he could become.”
Current Goaltending Landscape
The Oilers have been pleased with Pickard’s presence in the locker room, as highlighted in a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. During discussions with players, it was noted that Pickard is highly regarded among teammates, contributing to the team’s wins when called upon. However, the question remains whether Edmonton is looking to move on from him.
Kyle Bukauskas pointed out that the Oilers’ commitment of $3.6 million to their goaltending situation does not significantly hinder their cap flexibility, suggesting that they may not be in a rush to make changes.
In the backdrop, Elliotte Friedman mentioned two other goaltenders to watch—Michael DiPietro and Clay Stevenson—who may become available on waivers soon. However, Soderblom’s established track record and connections to the Oilers may make him a more appealing option than either DiPietro or Stevenson.
Looking Ahead
As the NHL approaches a pivotal week filled with potential moves, the Oilers’ interest in Soderblom shines a spotlight on their commitment to bolstering their roster. With the trade proposal on the table, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether Edmonton can solidify its goaltending for a successful playoff push.
