### Bruins Strengthen Defense with Victor Soderstrom Acquisition The Boston Bruins have made a significant move in the lead-up to the 2025 NHL Draft by acquiring defenseman Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks. This transaction, announced on June 13, 2025, involved the Bruins sending defenseman Ryan Mast and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Blackhawks in exchange for Soderstrom's rights. Following this acquisition, the Bruins signed Soderstrom to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $775,000, allowing him to compete for a roster spot in the upcoming training camp. Soderstrom, a former first-round pick, has shown promise in his recent performances in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and aims to solidify his position in the NHL after a challenging stint with the Arizona Coyotes and the Blackhawks [https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-sign-victor-soderstrom-to-one-year-two-way-contract, https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/06/14/bruins-ink-victor-soderstrom]. ### Breakdown of the Bruins' Recent Moves 1. **Trade Details**: - The Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 seventh-round pick [https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/release-blackhawks-acquire-ryan-mast-and-draft-pick-from-bruins]. - Soderstrom was previously a restricted free agent and had just completed his entry-level contract with the Utah Mammoth (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/bruins_sign_victor_soderstrom_to_one_year_contract]. 2. **Contract Signing**: - Soderstrom signed a one-year, two-way contract with an NHL cap hit of $775,000, which allows him to play in both the NHL and AHL [https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-sign-victor-soderstrom-to-one-year-two-way-contract]. - This contract is a strategic move for the Bruins as they prepare for the upcoming season [https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-bruins/2025/06/13/boston-bruins-trade-nhl-hockey-victor-soderstrom-chicago-blackhawks]. 3. **Player Background**: - Soderstrom, 24, was selected 11th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2019 NHL Draft and has played 53 NHL games [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/chicago_blackhawks_pull_off_pre_draft_trade_give_up_defenseman/s1_17081_42327081]. - He had a successful season in the SHL, scoring 9 goals and 28 assists in 49 games, earning the Salming Trophy for his performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/blackhawks_trade_defenseman_victor_soderstromto_bruins/s1_16454_42325503]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Victor Soderstrom's Performance**: - **2024-25 SHL Season**: 49 games, 9 goals, 28 assists, 37 points, plus-28 rating [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/blackhawks_trade_defenseman_victor_soderstromto_bruins/s1_16454_42325503]. - **NHL Experience**: 53 games played with the Coyotes, showcasing his potential at the professional level [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/chicago_blackhawks_pull_off_pre_draft_trade_give_up_defenseman/s1_17081_42327081]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Bruins In summary, the Boston Bruins have strategically bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks. This move not only provides the Bruins with a talented young defenseman but also reflects their commitment to enhancing their roster ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. 1. **Acquisition**: Bruins traded for Soderstrom, sending Ryan Mast and a draft pick to the Blackhawks. 2. **Contract**: Soderstrom signed a one-year, two-way contract, allowing flexibility in roster management. 3. **Potential**: With a strong performance in the SHL, Soderstrom aims to secure a spot on the Bruins' roster, potentially revitalizing his NHL career. This acquisition could prove pivotal as the Bruins look to strengthen their defense and compete effectively in the upcoming season [https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-sign-victor-soderstrom-to-one-year-two-way-contract, https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/06/14/bruins-ink-victor-soderstrom].