New York Rangers acquire goaltender from the Chicago Blackhawks
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers have made a quiet but telling move in goal. The club announced Sunday, “We have acquired goaltender Arvid Soderblom from Chicago in exchange for goaltender Spencer Martin.”
It is the kind of transaction that rarely makes headlines but can matter when injuries pile up.
Both netminders were assigned to their respective AHL teams, so this is a depth swap rather than an immediate shake-up of the NHL roster. Soderblom is headed to Hartford, while Martin is headed to Rockford.
What the Rangers Get in Soderblom
Soderblom, 27, was waived by Chicago last week and sent to Rockford after going 0-3-1 with a 4.67 goals-against average and an .842 save percentage in five games.
He is signed through 2026-27 on a two-year, $5.5 million deal and represented Sweden at the 2025 World Championship. That contract expires after this season, giving the Rangers a short, low-commitment look.
The demotion did not sit well with Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight, who openly voiced his displeasure days later.
Martin, 30, has spent most of this season in Hartford. His brief NHL stint was rough, as he allowed three goals on 18 shots in relief.
Where the Rangers' Crease Stands
New York has been scrambling in net since Igor Shesterkin's season ended with a leg injury.
Rookie Dylan Garand has carried the load with a 6-6-1 record and .906 save percentage, and Joonas Korpisalo is now back from injury to share the work. Korpisalo's return was meant to give Garand more rest.
James Reimer cleared waivers and had his contract terminated earlier this month, so adding another experienced goalie to the organization gives New York a safety net if injuries strike again.
For Chicago, the deal brings back a veteran with more than 70 NHL games to stock Rockford. For New York, it is a low-risk bet on a 27-year-old with NHL experience.
Whether he ever reaches Madison Square Garden will depend on health, performance and how long the club's current tandem holds up.
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