The 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be a crucial one for the Chicago Blackhawks. Drama couldn’t wait until October to arrive as Jeff Blashill, Connor Bedard, and company are witnessing a contract dispute unfold before their eyes.
Chicago backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom has filed for salary arbitration in the NHL, as the restricted free agent has yet to reach an extension with the Blackhawks. Now, the ball could be in the arbitrator’s court to decide the appropriate compensation for the netminder.
While the Blackhawks believe the starting crease is Spencer Knight’s to lose, they still have high hopes for Soderblom. The 25-year-old goalie showed signs of growth last season after some inconsistent years and is now seeking the contract he feels he has earned. On that note, Chicago reportedly has a clear plan in place for Bedard and Blashill‘s key teammate.
“The Blackhawks will work out Soderblom’s contract one way or another, whether it’s through arbitration or not,” per The Athletic’s Scott Powers. “The key for the Blackhawks will be not committing too much term to him just yet. While he had a bounce-back season, the Blackhawks will want to see a larger sample size before handing him a larger deal.”
Not repeating history
Once bitten, the Blackhawks are twice shy. After chasing several veterans in last year’s NHL offseason, Chicago is now taking a completely different path. It seems the organization in the Windy City has opted to stay parked at the side of the road rather than risk another wrong turn. General manager Kyle Davidson chose a quiet free agency, sending a clear message to Bedard and the rest of the team.
“The Blackhawks weren’t exactly thrilled with how things went with some of their veterans last season and just decided they’re not doing that again. I’m not surprised they were pretty quiet,” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast.
Showtime has spoken
There’s so much fans in Chicago would give up to relive the glory days of the 2010s. But time can’t be turned back. What they can do is watch Patrick Kane—and listen to the three-time Stanley Cup champion, who’s now made a strong admission about Bedard and the Hawks’ future.
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“I don’t think there’s any concern about him,” Kane said about Bedard during an interview on ESPN Chicago. “I think he’s got a great career ahead of him. He sounds like he wants to be a Blackhawk for a long time. I think they got a bright future ahead and he’s going to lead it. He’s going to get better and better with time, he looks like a kid that really wants to get better.”