Since coming over to North America for the COVID-shortened 2021 season, former Arizona Coyotes first-rounder Victor Soderstrom has had a tough time trying earn consistent minutes in the National Hockey League, finding himself bouncing up and down between the Yotes and the AHL.
In total in his four years in North America, Soderstrom has a total of 53 games of NHL experience, a number that's pretty low considering the expectations placed on him when he was selected 11th overall back in 2019.
Earlier this summer, Soderstrom became a restricted free agent and with training camps set to open around the league next week, he remains unsigned and his future in North America remains unclear.
Back in July, Soderstrom changed agents, with Craig Morgan reporting that he may be considering returning to Sweden for the upcoming season. Well, it appears that we could be getting closer to seeing Soderstrom head to Europe for the 2024-25 campaign.
According to Swedish media outlet Aftonbladet, Victor Soderstrom is close to agreeing to join his former SHL club, Brynas IF. They added that there are only small details that need to be hammered out before a contract is officially signed between Brynas IF and Soderstrom.
Craig Morgan gave an update on Soderstrom's situation on Friday, saying that contract talks between his side and Utah have reached an impasse. Morgan also said that with there not being much of a trade market for him, Soderstrom is looking at his options in Europe.
We'll have to wait and see if and when this contract is officially signed, but this is a bit of a blow to Utah HC and especially their AHL affiliate in Tucson. However, it's understandable from Soderstrom's perspective. With the off-season additions made by Bill Armstrong, bringing in Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole, there isn't much of an opportunity yet again for Victor Soderstrom to get minutes in the NHL.
If Soderstrom does play in the Swedish Hockey League for Brynas IF this season, or elsewhere in Europe, Utah Hockey Club will retain his rights as they issued him a qualifying offer before the deadline on June 30th.
Source: AftonbladetVictor Söderström finalizes negotiations with Brynäs
POLL | ||
14 SEPTEMBRE | 29 ANSWERS Utah RFA, former first-rounder reportedly considering returning to Europe Where will Victor Soderstrom spend the majority of the 2024-25 season? | ||
Utah (NHL) | 3 | 10.3 % |
Tucson (AHL) | 8 | 27.6 % |
Sweden | 18 | 62.1 % |
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