In the 1980’s, the pipeline between Boston and Edmonton was booming. Glen Sather and Harry Sinden made multiple trades together, and helped each other become two of the dominant teams of the late 1980’s. That pipeline died off in the 90’s, but was reborn in April, when the Oilers hired former Bruin GM Peter Chiarelli.
Could Chiarelli look to bring some of his former hires with him to Edmonton? It’s possible, in fact we already looked at one in Adam McQuaid earlier in this series. While McQuaid isn’t the best fit in Edmonton, another Bruin free agent is a perfect fit. That free agent is Carl Soderberg, a center lost in Boston’s impressive depth down the middle.
Why Is He Out There:
Carl Soderberg is an effective NHL player, and a solid center in this league. The problem is the Bruins are in cap hell, and will need to make many tough decisions this summer. One of the easier ones is to let Soderberg walk as a free agent. Boston already has David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron down the middle, and has Chris Kelly for the third line.
Soderberg likely wants a raise this summer, one the Bruins simply cannot afford right now. Their precious remaining cap space likely goes to re-signing Dougie Hamilton and making improvements, meaning Soderberg will be looking for a new home in a month.
What Does He Do Well:
The 29-year old is an intelligent forward who plays a smart two-way game. He’s not an offensive dynamo, but he does a lot of things right and excels as a defensive forward with some pop to his game.
Watching him in Boston, he was always in the right position. He never cheated for offense, and was always one of the first forwards back to defend. Like I mentioned in the paragraph above, the best way to describe him is as a very good two-way player. He’s defensively responsible and is rarely caught out of position.
In addition to being a good defensive forward, Soderberg is a solid play-maker as well. His passing skills are his bread and butter, no debating that. His ability to find the open man and connect with him is outstanding, making him a real threat in the offensive zone. He always seems to find a way to get the goal scorers the puck, evident by his 31 assists this season.
He has decent size too, standing in at 6’3” and 216 pounds, but he doesn’t use it to play a physical style. That has been his biggest problem in Boston, his almost inability to play a physical style of hockey. He’s also versatile, able to play both center and the wing, and he’s only 29 years old.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play:
Soderberg would slide in on Edmonton’s third line, playing either on the wing or at center. He’d likely lineup at left wing, with Anton Lander centering and Teddy Purcell on the right side. The fit is perfect, and that’s where a guy like Soderberg should be playing. He’s that Pisani-type forward who has a strong two-way game and can score 10-15 goals per season.
What Will He Cost:
The free agent forward likely looks for somewhere between $3-$4 million per season this summer. I’ll say a three year deal worth $3.5 million per gets it done for Edmonton and Soderberg. It’s a little high for me dollar wise, but I’d be willing to do it. I think he’s a good enough player where it’s worth it for the top-nine.
Closing Arguments:
Edmonton needs to add a top-nine forward this summer. They could pencil in Leon Draisaitl, but rushing him in is something that could backfire. Personally, I think Edmonton needs to hope Leon makes the jump, but be prepared that he can’t and needs AHL time. Being prepared means getting a forward that can take that spot if needed.
Carl Soderberg is that kind of forward. He’s a strong two-way option who scored 44 points this season while playing just under 17 minutes a night. He’s a responsible veteran forward in the heart of his career. That’s a solid bet to make.
Peter Chiarelli traded for Soderberg in Boston and brought him over two summers ago. Will he bring him to Edmonton now that Boston can’t afford him? It’s anyone’s guess, but I’d certainly be looking to sign him come July 1st.
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