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The Boston Bruins were working extremely hard last week to get Swedish star forward, Carl Söderberg signed to a contract and into the United States. All the hard work seemed to have paid off, when reports revealed the team had signed him to a three-year deal pending the approval of his transfer to the NHL from his Swedish Elite Team, Linkoping HC. It hasn’t gone as smoothly as the Bruins had hoped.
Earlier in the month the Bruins had revealed they were hoping to add Söderberg to their roster following Linkoping HC’s playoff run. Once they were eliminated from the postseason, Peter Chiarelli worked tirelessly on the phone to get Söderberg to make the switch to North American hockey. It seems that it was going to happen, but not so fast.
After signing his three-year deal, Söderberg and the Bruins requested to be released to the NHL by the Swedish Federation, but was not granted his release. Most notable NHL and Bruins media had a feeling the transfer from the SIHL to the NHL would be a stumbling block. The Swedish Federation wants Söderberg to play in the World Championships, which takes place during the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the NHL.
Although, the SIHL wants the Swedish Elite League’s second best scorer on their roster for the World Championships, the feelings aren’t mutual. After the SIHL blocked his transfer to the NHL, it is reported that Söderberg has refused to play for the Swedish National Team.
Soderberg has also made it clear to Swedish coach Pär Mårts. that he will NOT play in the World Championships. #TakeThat
— Dominic Tiano (@dominictiano) April 12, 2013
The Bruins will still likely work hard at trying to bring the 27-year-old to the United States, but it just won’t be easy. It will all come down to who gives in first or if the SIHL will release Söderberg by the time the NHL regular season has come to an end. In order for the forward to join the Bruins postseason run, he would have to be on their roster by the final game of the regular season.
Söderberg tallied 60 points on 31 goals and 29 assists with a plus-18 rating for Linkoping HC of the SEL this season. He will bring an added scoring touch to the Bruins roster, when and if he makes it to Boston.
Justin Soderberg is a Boston Red Sox and NHL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, ”Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
