Utah Hockey Club's top draft pick requests a trade: might decline NHL call-up

The 2019 first-round pick, who played just three games with Utah last season, has become increasingly frustrated with his role on the team. After a standout 2022-23 season with the Coyotes, suiting up for 30 games, the lack of playing time in 2023-24 has caused friction between the player and the club.

Last season, Victor Soderstrom appeared in a career-high 62 games with the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners, recording nine goals and 23 assists. Despite this, Soderstrom didn't get much of a chance in the NHL with Utah. With Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, and Ian Cole solidifying Utah's blue line, the odds of him earning a roster spot this season have slimmed even further. Soderstrom, still waiver-eligible, would need to clear waivers if he signed an NHL deal and was reassigned to the minors-leaving him vulnerable to other teams' claims.

According to reports from Aftonbladet's Hans Abrahamsson and Tomas Rose, the 23-year-old defenseman is considering a move back to Europe, with Swiss League and SHL teams showing interest. His former team, Brynäs IF, appears close to finalizing a deal, bringing Soderstrom back to the program where he initially developed before being drafted by the Arizona Coyotes. This would allow him to reignite his career in familiar territory, though it may involve leaving significant money on the table compared to what he could earn in the NHL.

For now, Utah retains Soderstrom's rights as a restricted free agent, meaning they hold control over his future should he decide to return to North America. The stalemate between the two sides, however, remains unresolved. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Soderstrom heads back to Sweden for the upcoming season or if a resolution with Utah can still be reached.

Source: Markerzone
Utah Hockey Club first-round pick demands a trade: may refuse to report to the NHL