Blackhawks Weigh Goalie Arvid Soderblom's Future as Spencer Knight Takes Over

Chicago's goaltending plans for next season remain uncertain as the team balances young talent and veteran stability

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the movements and actions of a hockey goalie, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in muted blues, grays, and whites, conceptually representing the technical and analytical nature of the goaltending position.The Blackhawks' goaltending future hangs in the balance as they weigh the potential of Arvid Söderblom against the need for a reliable backup to support Spencer Knight's development.Chicago Today

The Blackhawks face a crucial offseason decision on the future of goaltender Arvid Söderblom, who has shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency this past season. With Spencer Knight firmly established as the team's starting goalie, the Blackhawks must determine if Söderblom can be a reliable backup or if they need to pursue other options to support Knight's development and the team's broader rebuild.

Why it matters

Goaltending stability is crucial for the Blackhawks as they look to build a contending team around Spencer Knight. The decision on Söderblom's role will impact the team's roster construction, salary cap management, and overall developmental timeline as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Söderblom, 26, posted an 8-13-3 record with an .880 save percentage this past season, far below the level of production expected from an NHL backup. The Blackhawks must weigh Söderblom's potential against the need for a more reliable option to complement Knight, who has established himself as the team's undisputed starter. Chicago also has to consider the financial implications, as Söderblom carries a $2.75 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season, a figure that could complicate roster decisions. The team could also look outside the organization for a veteran backup to provide stability and experience behind Knight.

  • Söderblom posted an 8-13-3 record with an .880 save percentage in the 2025-26 season.
  • Knight, 24, posted a .904 save percentage across 53 games this past season, solidifying his role as the Blackhawks' starting goalie.
  • Prospect Drew Commesso, a 2020 second-round pick, will not require waivers to be sent to the AHL next season, potentially putting him in the mix for the backup job.

The players

Arvid Söderblom

A 26-year-old goaltender who has shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, posting an 8-13-3 record with an .880 save percentage in the 2025-26 season.

Spencer Knight

The Blackhawks' 24-year-old starting goaltender, who posted a .904 save percentage across 53 games this past season, solidifying his role as the team's long-term option in net.

Drew Commesso

A 2020 second-round pick by the Blackhawks who will not require waivers to be sent to the AHL next season, potentially putting him in the mix for the backup goaltender role.

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What they’re saying

“What constitutes the bar for a No. 2 goalie, and does Söderblom meet it?”

— Scott Powers, The Athletic reporter

What’s next

The Blackhawks will need to make a decision on Söderblom's future this offseason, weighing whether he can be a reliable backup to Knight or if the team needs to pursue other options, either through a trade, waivers, or signing a veteran free agent.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' goaltending situation highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between developing young talent and providing the stability needed to support a broader rebuild. Chicago's decision on Söderblom's role will be a crucial factor in determining the team's path back to contention.