The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that the team has acquired the rights to forward Carl Soderberg in exchange for a 2016 draft pick. Soderberg is an unrestricted free agent, but the Avs may negotiate a contract with him prior to July 1.
ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Avs and Soderberg have already begun negotiations.
Avs and Soderberg's agent JP Barry have already begun contract talks
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 25, 2015
Colorado gives up a sixth-round selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, a pick they had previously acquired from Boston along with Jordan Caron in exchange for Max Talbot and Paul Carey.
Soderberg was a workhorse for Boston this past season, appearing in all 82 games. The centerman skated on the first line, primarily, alongside Brad Marchand and Loui Ericsson. He tied for third on the team in both points and assists in 2014-15. Boston finished 41-27-14 last year, missing the playoffs by two points.
Originally selected by St. Louis in 2004 Entry Draft, Soderberg elected to play in Sweden before joining the Bruins at the end of 2012-13. During his first full NHL season, Soderberg recorded 48 points in 73 games.
The Swedish forward has already been placed as the fourth centerman on the Avs depth chart, according to Rotoworld.
The move could be a sign that the long-term, or even the short-term, future of Ryan O’Reilly in Colorado is in serious jeopardy.
Colorado holds the No. 10 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held June 26-27.
