Victor Söderström Returns to Sweden on a two-year deal

Former 11th overall draft pick Victor Söderström is heading back to his homeland, signing a two-year deal with Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Once seen as a rising star on the blue line, Söderström’s journey in North America did not pan out as many had hoped. After struggling to secure a consistent role with the Utah Hockey Club and being surpassed on the depth chart by the likes of Michael Kesselring and newly acquired John Marino, this move to Sweden could provide Söderström the opportunity to rediscover his game and reignite his NHL career.

Early Promise and Expectations

When Victor Söderström was selected 11th overall by the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Hockey Club) in the 2019 NHL Draft, he was heralded as a future top-four defenseman with excellent puck-moving abilities and defensive reliability. Coming from Brynäs IF, where he had already shown poise beyond his years in the SHL as a teenager, Söderström was expected to quickly transition to the NHL. His smooth skating, hockey IQ, and ability to make smart plays under pressure made him a highly regarded prospect in the Coyotes system.

However, despite flashes of his talent, Söderström’s development stalled once he crossed the Atlantic. Inconsistent performances in the NHL and the AHL left him struggling to find a permanent role in the lineup. By the time Utah relocated this past year, it became evident that Söderström had not fully adapted to the physicality and pace of the North American game.

The Rise of Kesselring and Marino

As Söderström’s struggles continued, Arizona at the time, began adding new defensive talent that further complicated his path to a permanent roster spot. Michael Kesselring, a 6’4” defenseman acquired in a trade from Edmonton, quickly rose through the ranks and established himself as a reliable option last season, securing an extension at the NHL level. Kesselring’s physicality, combined with his ability to chip in offensively, made him a more consistent contributor than Söderström had shown.

The acquisition of John Marino this offseason, who is a proven top-four defenseman, dealt another blow to Söderström’s standing within the organization. Marino brings stability and a solid defensive presence that Utah desperately needs. With Kesselring and Marino forming key components of the team’s defense on the right side, Söderström found himself on the outside looking in.

Söderström’s Struggles in North America

While Söderström showed flashes of brilliance in some of his NHL appearances, his overall game lacked consistency. He often found himself unable to handle the physicality of NHL forwards and struggled to make the same confident plays that were a hallmark of his amateur and SHL career. His offensive output did not develop as expected, and he was often outmatched in the defensive zone.

The decision to keep Söderström in the AHL for extended periods was meant to give him time to adapt, but it became clear that the mental and physical challenges of the North American game were hampering his confidence. His play began to plateau, and with the emergence of Kesselring and the arrival of Marino, Söderström’s opportunities at the NHL level became increasingly limited.

Returning to Sweden: A Chance to Reset

Söderström’s return to Brynäs represents an opportunity for him to hit the reset button on his career. Playing in Sweden will allow him to regain his confidence, play significant minutes, and rediscover the aspects of his game that made him a first-round draft pick in the first place. In the SHL, he will face top-tier competition, but in a more familiar setting where the pace and style of play suit his strengths.

For Söderström, this move isn’t just about finding stability — it’s about rekindling the belief in his ability to be a top-four defenseman. The pressure to perform immediately and the grind of proving himself in the NHL may have weighed him down in recent years. With Brynäs, he will have the opportunity to play a leading role, work on his game without the immediate pressures of the NHL, and develop further in an environment where he feels comfortable.

The Path to an NHL Return

While Söderström’s time in North America did not go as planned, he is still only 23 years old. Plenty of players have returned to Europe to regain their form, only to return to the NHL as more complete players. Söderström’s skill set is still highly regarded, and with some refinement and confidence-building in the SHL, he could find his way back to the NHL in the future.

A few years overseas may be exactly what Söderström needs to find his game again. The NHL’s physical demands can be tough for young players, but time in the SHL could allow him to build the strength and resilience necessary to make a successful return. Should he find his footing with Brynäs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see NHL teams take interest in him once again.

Final Thoughts

Victor Söderström’s story is a reminder that player development is rarely a straight line. While his journey in North America has been challenging, this next chapter in Sweden offers a fresh start. By returning to his roots in Brynäs, Söderström has the chance to reignite his career and show that he still has the potential to be a difference maker on the blue line.

For Söderström, the focus now is on regaining his confidence, building his game back up, and proving that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest levels of professional hockey. If he can do that, a return to the NHL could very well be in his future — and this time, he’ll be more prepared for the challenge.