Victor Soderstrom is a right-handed shooting defenseman from Gavle, Sweden. The Arizona Coyotes drafted Soderstrom 11th overall during the 2019 NHL Draft. Soderstrom poses gifted skating skills and a smooth and effortless stride; he has the complete package.
Soderstrom was ranked the 3rd European skating, supported by the fact he was always selected to play international hockey. Soderstrom represented Sweden in the U16s, U17s, U18s, and World Juniors. He played a valuable role in various power play units and penalty kill units.
During the 2019-2020 season, Soderstrom played for Brynas IF of the Swedish Hockey League. His season showed a glimpse of his future potential, scoring 16 points in 35 games (as a 19-year-old).
The following 2020-2021 season, Soderstrom would make his NHL debut. He played four games for the Coyotes, scoring his first NHL goal and assist. The Coyotes would then send him down to Tucson of the AHL for conditioning.
Oh boy! The AHL has been rough for Soderstrom. He played 32 games for Tucson that season, only scoring ten points while posting a -16 rating! Soderstrom was struggling.
2021-2022, Soderstrom's results have been rough, playing for horrible Arizona and Tucson teams. While in the AHL, he scored 19 points in 32 games with a -12 rating. With the Yotes, Soderstrom was unable to register a point in 16 games, plus was a -7 in a restricted role.
Is Soderstrom a bust? No. A change of scenery may be beneficial for Soderstrom, although he still poses the talent to become a full-time NHL player. Remember he is only 21 (born in 2001).