What Happened
On June 13, 2025, the Chicago Blackhawks announced a trade involving defenseman Victor Söderström, sending his rights to the Boston Bruins in exchange for defense prospect Ryan Mast and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. This trade marks a strategic move for both teams as they navigate their respective rosters and future prospects.
Victor Söderström, who was originally selected 11th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2019 NHL Draft, had played three seasons within the Coyotes’ organization, participating in 53 NHL games. After declining to re-sign as a restricted free agent, he opted to return to Sweden, where he had a successful season in the SHL, earning accolades as the league’s top defenseman. The Blackhawks had acquired Söderström’s rights earlier in 2025 but ultimately decided to trade him due to the emergence of younger defensemen within their system.
Ryan Mast, a 22-year-old defenseman, was drafted by the Bruins in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He has spent the last season with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, where he recorded five assists in 37 games. Mast is known for his size at 6’5” and 221 pounds, but his offensive production has not yet translated effectively to the professional level. The Blackhawks aim to develop him further, potentially adding depth to their defensive lineup.
Key Details
- Trade Date: June 13, 2025
- Teams Involved: Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins
- Players Involved:
- Victor Söderström (rights traded to Bruins)
- Ryan Mast (acquired by Blackhawks)
- Additional Consideration: 2025 seventh-round draft pick included in the trade.
- Söderström’s Background:
- Drafted 11th overall in 2019 by the Arizona Coyotes.
- Played 53 NHL games, scoring 1 goal and 10 assists.
- Recently played in the SHL, recording 9 goals and 28 assists in 49 games.
- Mast’s Background:
- Drafted 181st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Bruins.
- Recorded 5 assists in 37 games during the 2024-25 AHL season.
- Previously played for the Sarnia Sting in the OHL.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade can be viewed from different angles. From the Blackhawks’ perspective, trading Söderström allows them to avoid blocking the development of their younger defensemen, such as Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov, who have shown promise in recent seasons. The acquisition of Mast, although he is seen as a long shot to make a significant impact in the NHL, provides the Blackhawks with additional depth and a chance to develop a player who has yet to reach his potential.
On the other hand, the Bruins’ acquisition of Söderström addresses their immediate need for a right-side defenseman following the trade of Brandon Carlo. Söderström’s recent success in the SHL may suggest that he can contribute effectively at the NHL level, especially given the Bruins’ current roster situation.
However, there are concerns regarding both players’ trajectories. Mast has not yet demonstrated significant offensive capabilities in professional hockey, raising questions about his future impact. Conversely, while Söderström has shown promise in Europe, his transition back to the NHL remains uncertain, particularly given his previous struggles to secure a consistent spot in the NHL.
Context & Background
This trade occurs within the broader context of NHL team strategies as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Blackhawks are in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and creating a competitive roster for the future. By trading Söderström, they are making a calculated decision to prioritize their younger players’ growth over retaining a player who may not fit into their long-term plans.
For the Bruins, the need for a right-side defenseman has become critical following recent roster changes. Söderström’s rights acquisition could potentially fill that gap, especially if he can carry over his SHL success into the NHL. The trade reflects the Bruins’ efforts to maintain competitiveness while addressing immediate roster needs.
What We Don’t Know Yet
Several uncertainties remain following this trade. For the Blackhawks, it is unclear how effectively they will be able to develop Ryan Mast into a player who can contribute at the NHL level. His performance in the AHL has not been particularly impressive, leading to questions about his potential impact.
For the Bruins, it is uncertain whether Söderström can replicate his SHL success in the NHL. His previous experience in the league was marked by inconsistency, and his ability to secure a roster spot with the Bruins remains to be seen.
Additionally, the implications of this trade on both teams’ future strategies and roster compositions will unfold over time, particularly as they approach the 2025-26 NHL season. The effectiveness of this trade will ultimately depend on the development of Mast and Söderström’s performance in their respective leagues.
