Following a down 2016-17 campaign, Soderberg experienced a resurgence with the Avalanche last season. Thanks in part to a 10.7 shooting percentage that neared his career-best mark and boosts in ice time and power-play time, Soderberg matched his career-best mark with 16 goals on 150 shots and added 21 assists to return to form after notching just 14 points the season prior. Considering he had notched 44 points or more in each of his first three NHL seasons, it wouldn't be surprising if the veteran pivot builds on those number in 2018-19 and nears the half-century mark again, potentially reaching the back end of some fantasy drafts. His even rating also bodes well for a team that added netminder Philipp Grubauer in the offseason to fortify the defensive zone.
Soderberg’s precipitous decline was one of many factors that led to Colorado’s disastrous 2016-17 season. Just one year after scoring a career-best 51 points, the 31-year-old Swede was a net-negative across the board with just 14 points, a minus-26 rating and 22 PIM. It’s possible that Soderberg will unseat 2016 first-rounder Tyson Jost for the second-line center role behind Matt Duchene with a return to form, but that outcome seems doubtful given the veteran’s recent performance and the team’s stated desire to build around young players.
In his first season with the Avalanche, Soderberg had no issues fitting in on the second line, lighting the lamp 12 times and tacking on a career-high 39 assists and 32 PIM. It marks the first time the 2004 second-round pick surpassed 50 points in his NHL career, and now with a full campaign under his belt with Colorado, there’s potential for more from the 30-year-old. He may not hit 20 goals, but Soderberg is a solid bet to tally 30-plus helpers, as he’s done so in three straight seasons. The Swede is also a threat on the power play, averaging 2:16 of ice time and producing respectably with three goals and 11 assists in that situation last season. He’s been an iron man lately, not missing a game over the last two years; however, if he occupies a third-line role behind Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon, as anticipated, Soderberg could well see a reduction in last year's 18:01 of average ice time. Of course, those two have been known to get hurt before.
After the Bruins realized they wouldn't be able to retain Soderberg during the offseason, the team dealt his negotiating rights to the Avalanche, who inked the center to a long-term contract. The 29-year-old is coming off a respectable 2014-15 campaign in which he compiled 13 goals and 44 points in 82 games, and should see his role increase in Colorado. Soderberg has played just 161 career NHL games, but that hasn’t prevented him from already becoming a quality reserve for those in deeper fantasy leagues. In addition to his half-point-per-game production, Soderberg netted five power-play goals, three game-winners, and had 163 shots on net last season. The Swede's solid shot and playmaking ability may allow him to churn out even more production as the second-line center in Colorado, where he'll effectively be replacing Ryan O'Reilly.
While Soderberg’s overall numbers (16 goals and 48 points in 73 games) in his first full season with the Bruins weren’t staggering, once he got going -- which largely coincided with his move to center -- he displayed good offensive instincts while helping anchor the team’s third line. Though Soderberg deals with impaired vision in his left eye thanks to an injury he suffered during the 2006-07 season, it’s a reality that the 28-year-old Swede has adjusted well to at this point. It’s not hard to imagine the polished 6-foot-3 pivot seeing an uptick in production this season, with a power-play role likely in the cards.
Though it's a little early to project the Bruins’ 2013-14 lines, barring key injuries, Soderberg seems likely to work on the team’s third line. Though Soderberg didn't display elite wheels in limited action with the Bruins, he does possess a nice blend of size and skill and, based on his production in Sweden, it's not hard to imagine him benefiting greatly from a full NHL training camp and emerging as a fantasy option in deeper formats in 2013-14.
Soderberg continues to play in his native Sweden, with no indication that he’s of a mind to give North American hockey a whirl.
The 25-year-old is still listed on the Bruins' official site as a prospect, but getting him to leave the comfort of playing in his hometown of Malmo, Sweden for the uncertainty of the NHL may be a tough sell.
A talented Swedish prospect, who doesn't seem to be inclined to return to North America at this point in his career.
Soderberg chose to stay at home and play for Malmo (Sweden) this season despite repeated attempts by Bruins' GM Peter Chiarelli to have him attend the Bruins' training camp.
Once he decides to cross the pond -- and that won't be this season -- Soderberg would join the nice group forwards that the B's have managed to stockpile. Assuming he does make it over, he might have a hard time cracking the lineup out of the gate, but he's considered an explosive player, an element the team could certainly use.
Soderberg has plenty of offensive potential but will probably spend at least one more season playing in Sweden.
Soderberg played for Malmo of the Swedish league last season and potted 15 goals and 39 points in as many games. Soderberg centered the top line for Malmo, a team that spent the season in the second division after performing so poorly in the elite league the year before. He's a solid, all-around player who may very well be one of the best young performers in Sweden -- he's just been underrated for a long time. Keeper leagues should monitor him closely as he will soon be the Blues' second-line center and a fantasy threat.
