Chicago Blackhawks, IceHogs goaltenders on pace for rebuild

With the season winding down for both the Blackhawks and the IceHogs, there is plenty of controversy surrounding the goal-tending situation. Going into this past season, it was expected that the veteran Petr Mrazek would steer the ship further, during the current rebuild. As expected, the 24-year-old second-year Arvid Soderblom would get his chance at the #2 spot after two consistent seasons in Rockford.

However, the season has gone less than anticipated for the rookie goaltender. We'll dive into the Hawks goalie situation for the incoming season along with goaltenders within the Chicago organization

Peter Mrazek has been excellent this season. He's keeping the Blackhawks in almost every game he's played this season. One of the few reasons the team has not gone 0-82 on the year. Mrazek inked a two-year extension with Chicago on January 24th, running through the 2025-2026 season.

The Blackhawks have not had a consistent starting goalie since the past decade when Corey Crawford ruled the crease.

While it is true that Mrazek is no Crawford he shows up every night, giving the Blackhawks a chance to win. This season, he is 18-30-4 with a .907 SV% and 3.06 GAA. On a struggling Chicago team, he has been excellent.

Providing the team with consistent play all season, he is presumed the starter for the incoming season. Mrazek will be 34 when his contract expires. He is not the long-term answer for the Blackhawks. Will a goaltender below eventually replace Mrazek for the starting job in Chicago?

Soderblom is 5-22-1 with the league's lowest .881 SV% and rock bottom 3.88 GAA. His career is now at 7-34-3 posting a .884 SV% and 3.81 GAA. Along with having the worst save percentage in the NHL, Arvid has the worst GSA (Goals Saved Above Expected) with a -17.7, out of all 98 goalies to play in an NHL crease this season. Chicago wanted Arvid to get through his struggles during the season's first few months.

However, when is it enough? His stats have only declined since last season. The netminder had his fair shot to be in the picture for the Hawks's coming future. The tables have been tuned for Soderblom. With one year left on his two-year deal. Is his time in Chicago coming to an end? Soderblom has rightfully earned his ticket back down to the AHL. That begs another question, who replaces Soderblom in the net?