Editor’s Note: Dominic Tiano tweeted this morning that he has some news in Carl Söderberg. Dominic contacted DOY and wondered if he could write something. The answer was quickly a yes as we follow Dominic’s work on OHL Writers and the work he does leading up to the NHL draft. Everything you read was written by Mr. Tiano
When the Boston Bruins pulled off a heist and secured Carl Soderberg’s services from Linkoping of the SHL in 2013, The Swedish Ice Hockey Federation and Team Sweden’s manager and coach for the IIHF World Championships used the ultimatum “If you leave, you will never play for Sweden.”
As we all know by now, Soderberg ignored the threat and flew over the pond to join the Bruins. In a conversation with someone very close to the Soderberg camp, it’s been revealed that the SIHF stance may have softened. It’s believed that if the Bruins miss the NHL playoffs that Soderberg will be given serious consideration and possibly an invite to join Team Sweden.
But what about the present?
I reported several months ago that Soderberg’s camp had notified the Bruins that he wanted to remain in Boston and would be interested in signing an extension before the end of the regular season. It appears, and Soderberg’s camp has been informed, that such a deal will not happen until the offseason when the team has a clearer picture on the NHL cap for next season.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Bruins have enough “Tag Room” to complete a deal. But with pending free agents Tory Krug, Reilly Smith and Dougie Hamilton also up for renewal as well, the Bruins are treading carefully. Soderberg is looking for a 3 or 4 year deal with the hopes of playing out his career with Malmo in Sweden once that deal expires. (My guess: $3 -$3.5 million per season). But let there be no doubt, his intentions are to remain in Boston.
I found this part of my question and answer a little awkward.
Q) Soderberg’s play has dipped a little since the All-Star break and there are rumors that he is playing with a wrist injury that may require off season surgery. Is there any truth to this?
A) Every hockey player plays with bumps and bruises.
Q) So you’re not denying Soderberg is playing with bumps and bruises?
A) Every hockey player plays with bumps and bruises.
Q) Will it require surgery in the offseason?
A) I’ve never been to medical school.
It’s obvious that an answer wasn’t coming, so I moved on.
Q) Could his dip in play be contributed to frustration due to a lack of discussion regarding an extension?
A) Certainly not. We are confident that those talks will take place and the Bruins will make a fair offer to keep Carl in Boston.
One thing is certain: There will be some difficult choices for the Bruins this off season.
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