What Happened
The Chicago Blackhawks placed goaltender Arvid Söderblom on waivers on November 8, 2026, according to Sportsnet. The decision followed a 9-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, in which Söderblom allowed three goals on 16 shots while serving as relief for Spencer Knight. In five games this season, the 27-year-old has yet to record a win, posting a .842 save percentage and a 4.67 goals-against average. He currently ranks fifth worst in the league in goals saved above expected, with underlying data indicating he faces a high volume of unblocked shot attempts.
Key Details
- Söderblom is under contract for $2.75 million for the 2026-27 season.
- He has played in five games with no wins this season.
- His goals-against average stands at 4.67 with a .842 save percentage.
- Drew Commesso is the primary internal candidate to replace him.
- The team is seeking stability in the backup goaltending position.
What It Means
The waiver move signals a significant roster adjustment for the Blackhawks as they navigate their rebuild. With Spencer Knight carrying a heavy workload and Söderblom's underlying metrics indicating poor performance, the organization is likely looking to reset the goaltending depth chart. If Söderblom clears waivers, the team may assign him to the AHL to provide a fresh start while potentially elevating Drew Commesso to the backup role.
What's Next
The Blackhawks will wait for the waiver process to conclude. If Söderblom clears, he may be assigned to the AHL Rockford IceHogs. Drew Commesso could step into the backup role, providing Spencer Knight with more consistent support.