NHL Trade news: The Chicago Blackhawks send Victor Söderström to Boston Bruins for Ryan Mast and a draft pick

The offseason trade activity has begun, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins were quick to connect on a development-focused deal. Chicago has traded the NHL rights to 24-year-old defenseman Victor Söderström to Boston.

In return, the Blackhawks acquire 21-year-old defense prospect Ryan Mast and a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

NHL Trade news analysis as Boston Bruins add Victor Söderström for depth and upside

By acquiring Söderström, the Bruins are making a calculated bet on a former first-rounder who has yet to cement his place in the NHL. But his recent performance overseas suggests the offensive potential is still intact. With the Bruins needing younger options on their back end and facing salary cap challenges, Söderström could offer low-cost upside if his SHL success can translate to the North American game.

His skating and puck-moving skills fit well within Boston’s evolving defensive system.The Bruins have demonstrated a pattern of acquiring players with untapped potential and providing them with new opportunities. Söderström fits that mold and enters a situation where he may finally get the NHL runway he needs.

NHL Trade news breakdown as Ryan Mast gives rebuilding the Chicago Blackhawks a physical option

On the other side of the deal, Chicago adds Ryan Mast, a right-shot defenseman known for his size and physical style of play.

Standing at 6-foot-4, Mast has spent the last two seasons with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, where his game has slowly developed. He was originally taken in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft by Boston.The seventh-round pick in 2027 adds another asset to Chicago’s growing stockpile of future draft capital. The Blackhawks remain focused on constructing a team around franchise centerpiece Connor Bedard and are prioritizing development over short-term fixes.Read more: Why the Rangers no longer want to keep K’Andre Miller despite his key role on defenseThis trade may not make major headlines, but it represents the type of smart, low-risk maneuvering both teams are expected to continue throughout the offseason.