RFA goalie initially signed by GM Stan Bowman is prime target for Oilers

Oilers GM Stan Bowman signed Soderblom in 2021 out of the SHL with the Chicago Blackhawks. Now 25 years old, Soderblom has played 86 career NHL games, and is now filing for salary arbitration with Chicago.

Looking for a goaltender to run alongside Stuart Skinner for next season without much salary cap space, taking a bet on a young goalie that Bowman previously believed in makes sense.

The 6'3 Swedish goaltender hasn't posted great raw numbers on some awful Blackhawks teams, but still had a higher save percentage than Stuart Skinner last year with an .898.

Some analytics show that Soderblom could be a real emerging NHL talent, especially based on his improving results the last two two seasons.

The Chicago Blackhawks currently have their future starter with Spencer Knight, and an experienced backup with Lauren Brossoit under contract. There's no visible path to playing time for Soderblom, which could make him available.

It's possible the Blackhawks could trade him as a pending RFA needing to be signed, or lose him on waivers at the beginning of next season. Oilers insider Bob Stauffer has hinted the team may be watching waivers for their goalie add.

In reality, Soderblom is just one of many relatively cheap options the Oilers could try to improve their goaltending next season - but they seem content on running back the worst playoff goaltending duo in the NHL for a third time.