Carl Soderberg agreed to terms on a one-year, $1 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.
The 35-year-old forward scored 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 70 games with the Arizona Coyotes last season and two points (one goal, one assist) in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"Carl is an experienced center who plays a strong two-way game and adds an element of size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) to our group of centermen," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "He has shown the ability to score and match up, which is critical in today's game, and he also brings consistency and versatility to the team, evidenced by his usage on both special teams as well as even-strength play."
Soderberg said Monday he's said he's not concerned about joining a rebuilding team after his experience with the Avalanche from 2015-19.
"I know it's a rebuilding team, but it goes quick," Soderberg said. "In Colorado a couple of years ago we were rebuilding too, and now [the Avalanche are] one of the top contenders in the League. It goes quick. Hopefully this year is going to be our year."
He also said he wanted to make sure he knew the length and structure of the NHL season before signing.
"I had a pretty good season last year, so I pretty much knew a couple of teams were going to step up late and give me a couple of offers. I didn't want to sign before we knew the whole set up, what it was going to be," he said. "Now that we know it's 56 games and that we're going to play in different cities, it was never a question for me. I wanted to play in the NHL and I was very happy when Chicago called me."
Selected by the St. Louis Blues in the second round (No. 49) of the 2004 NHL Draft, Soderberg has scored 280 points (103 goals, 177 assists) in 552 regular-season games with the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Coyotes and 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 41 playoff games.
