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The New York Rangers have been forced to dig deep into their goaltending reserves this season due to a slew of injuries, and on [date], the team addressed that concern by completing a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to acquire netminder Arvid Soderblom in exchange for goaltender Spencer Martin.
The Rangers' goaltending depth was tested early when Igor Shesterkin suffered a lower-body injury on Oct. 9 against the Washington Capitals, an injury that was later deemed season-ending. At the time, Joonas Korpisalo was already unavailable due to a foot infection, prompting speculation that New York might seek outside help. Dylan Garand stepped up admirably, appearing in 12 consecutive games at one point, and Korpisalo has since returned healthy, winning his first two starts. Despite that, the Rangers opted to further reinforce their depth.
Ideally, the Rangers won't need Soderblom to see much NHL action, but his addition gives the organization a third goaltender with NHL experience should an emergency arise. New York previously signed veteran James Reimer, who recorded a shutout in one AHL appearance with the Hartford Wolf Pack before being recalled. Reimer made one start for the Rangers but was pulled after one period, and he remains with Hartford, where he will now be joined by Soderblom and Callum Tung on the depth chart.
Soderblom, who signed with Chicago on May 13, 2021, spent his entire professional career in the Blackhawks organization. In 117 NHL appearances (105 starts), he posted a 25-68-15 record with an .885 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average, recording one career shutout last season. His AHL numbers were far more impressive: during the 2021-22 campaign, he went 21-15-2 with a .919 save percentage and a 2.76 GAA in 38 games, followed by a 15-12-5 record, .905 save percentage, and 2.92 GAA in 33 games in 2022-23.
For New York, flipping Martin for Soderblom represents a solid move. Martin had fallen out of favor with head coach Mike Sullivan, appearing in only one game after Shesterkin and Korpisalo were injured despite serving as Garand's backup. He also struggled last season when pressed into duty alongside Jonathan Quick during another Shesterkin absence.
Key Analysis
The Rangers' acquisition of Soderblom is a low-risk maneuver aimed at stabilizing their goaltending depth. While his NHL statistics are underwhelming, his strong AHL track record suggests he could be a reliable emergency option. Moving Martin, who clearly lacked the coaching staff's trust, clears a logjam and provides Hartford with a more proven netminder. With Shesterkin out for the season and Korpisalo injury-prone, adding Soderblom ensures the Rangers won't be caught shorthanded if another injury strikes.