Finding joy in your craft isn’t guaranteed — sometimes you have to lose it to realize how much it mattered. And for Victor Soderstrom, his journey back to happiness on the ice has taken a few unexpected, and even controversial, turns. But here’s where things get really interesting…
Victor Soderstrom, once a highly touted 11th-overall pick by the Arizona Coyotes back in 2019, entered the NHL with big expectations. Yet despite the hype, he struggled to secure a consistent role, appearing in only 53 NHL games before making the bold decision to head back to Sweden last season. Some fans called it a step backward — others argued it was exactly what he needed.
Boston clearly believed in the latter. After acquiring his rights in June, the Bruins offered Soderstrom a one-year contract, opening the door for his NHL return. He made his Boston debut on Thursday, and what he shared afterward says a lot about how far he’s come emotionally and professionally.
“I think just finding the joy back for hockey,” Soderstrom admitted the next day. “I think I lost that spark a little bit in Arizona, especially the last year. Ended up signing (in Sweden) like a week before the season started.
“I think it was good for me – I found my game a lot more. I found back to my game a lot more, the way I want to play. Now, afterwards, I don’t regret anything. I think that was a good decision for me.”
And this is the part most people miss: stepping away from the NHL can sometimes save a player, not bury them. Soderstrom’s performance in his Bruins debut seemed to back that up — he logged 13:40 of ice time, finished with a +2 rating, and helped Boston secure a 5–2 win over the St. Louis Blues.
He’s staying in the lineup Saturday, once again paired with Mason Lohrei, who seems thrilled with the chemistry they’ve already built.
“He’s smart, and we talk a lot,” Lohrei said. “Just the way he moves the puck, and he’s got offensive ability, too, which is fun to work with each other in that area. I think with both of us, it just starts with being simple in our own end, moving pucks and trying to get up ice.”
Lohrei added that he tries to play the same dependable style no matter who he’s paired with — but he’s clearly enjoying this particular partnership. “I like playing with Soderstrom. I don’t mind playing with anybody. It’s nice to be able to bounce around and get a feel for everybody.”
The Bruins return to action Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET when they host the New Jersey Devils, with pre-game coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET on NESN.
But here’s a question that might stir some debate:
Was Soderstrom’s detour to Sweden a sign of a promising young player struggling — or was it a necessary reset that could unlock the potential he was drafted for?
Do you think he’s on the path to a breakout season with Boston, or is it too early to tell? Share your take in the comments — agree or disagree, let’s hear it.
