Swedish Elite League forward Carl Soderberg may be joining the Boston Bruins.
It’s a name you haven’t heard much about in Boston in recent years, but 27-year old Swedish forward Carl Soderberg might finally be joining the Bruins after years of being nothing but a tease to fans of the Black and Gold.
You’ll remember he was acquired by Boston from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for goalie Hannu Toivonen in 2007 and not much has been said of the 6’3″ power forward since. Sometimes before an NHL season would start their would be rumors that general manger Peter Chiarelli might be convincing the talented center (who can also play wing) to make the jump overseas to North America. In the end it was all just talk, but now it seems as though Soderberg could finally be interested in becoming a Bruin and the timing is absolutely perfect.
Its well known the Bruins 3rd line could use some help. Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley are having serious down-years and Chris Bourque hasn’t been that bad, but he also just hasn’t been very good. Soderberg on the other hand is having an impressive season for his Swedish Elite League team, Linkoping and finished this past regular season with a stat-line of 31 goals, 29 assists for a total of 60 points in just 54 games. The goals were good for most in the league and he ended up 2nd overall in scoring.
Linkoping has made the playoffs though, which start next week and according to TSN’s Darren Dreger the Bruins have agreed they will not interfere with the team’s playoff run. The waiting game continues apparently and Dreger went on to state that one top NHL team said Soderberg could be a “solid 2nd line centre and that the Bruins like his versatility on the wing.”
Also, CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty reported that he “can confirm there have been some healthy discussions between the Bruins and Carl Soderberg’s camp about him coming to Boston after SEL playoffs”.
So, it’s being reported by a few different people and it appears as though it could definitely be a possibility, at least more of a possibility than it has been in the past.
It would be a great move for Boston as Soderberg wouldn’t cost the team any players, prospects or picks to acquire his services and it would even allow them to trade someone if he is indeed as good as advertised. Even better is the fact the he is on the Bruins reserve list and wouldn’t have to clear waivers to join the squad. Just kind of feels like the stars are aligning for both Soderberg and the B’s.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see just a little longer if Soderberg is indeed finally going to leave Sweden and come to the NHL to help a team that could certainly use his size and skill. Until then all Bruins fans can do is hope for an early playoff exit by Linkoping.