Victor Soderstrom is the future of the Arizona Coyotes blueline.
Having just turned 20, the smooth skating Swede should be coming into his own in the next few seasons just in time to pick up for fellow countryman Oliver Ekman-Larsson who will be 30 this summer.
As an added bonus, Soda is a right-handed defenseman meaning that unlike OEL, he could potentially be paired with Jakob Chychrun in high leverage situations. Given that Chychrun is solidified as the unquestioned top dog on the team as he continues to progress by leaps and bounds, that’s something to be excited about should Soderstrom pan out as well.
The young defender still has some seasoning to do in Tucson, however.
Much like Jan Jenik, his first professional season has been a mixed bag, but it’s easy to see what John Chayka saw in him when you watch him skate so effortlessly around the ice.
Victor Soderstrom skating against the San Diego Gulls on April 9th, 2021. (photo: Chris Hook)
This sweater was worn by Soderstrom in his first season as a professional in North America.
The Tucson Roadrunners wore these jerseys on April 9th & 10th, 2021 against the San Diego Gulls. They were a special design commemorating the club’s fifth season since moving to the desert from Springfield.
Soderstrom’s jersey was worn in both games and he had an assist in the game on April 9th.
It has very light wear with some loose threads in the sleeve and back numbers, and one board burn on the right sleeve.
Soda’s growth will be one of the most exciting subplots in Tucson for the foreseeable future.
After drafting Soderstrom, former GM John Chayka said, “We weren’t leaving the draft without him. We were going to do whatever it took to get up and get [Soderstrom].”
That’s a lot of hype to put on the back of a kid, but if he can even approach living up to that, the Arizona Coyotes will be thrilled.