Bruins Acquire Söderström’s Rights from Blackhawks

The Boston Bruins have acquired the rights to Swedish defenseman Victor Söderström from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defense prospect Ryan Mast and a 2025 seventh-round pick. Söderström, a 24-year-old former first-round pick by Arizona, excelled in the Swedish Hockey League last season, winning the Börje Salming Trophy as the league’s best defenseman with 37 points in 49 games. He is currently a restricted free agent and must sign a contract to officially join Boston. The Blackhawks traded Söderström due to a surplus of defensive prospects, while the Bruins, after trading Brandon Carlo, have a need on right defense. Mast, 22, will likely continue his development in the AHL for Chicago. The deal comes as Boston looks to rebuild after missing the playoffs.