Carl Soderberg was expected to join the Bruins as early as this weekend, so long as he was released by the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation. That last part, however, turned to be a key component in this whole process.
The Swedish Federation has blocked Soderberg’s move to join the Bruins, according to reports out of Europe. Swedish anchor Marie Lehmann tweeted that the federation had blocked the move. The feeling is that the Swedish Federation wants to block the move so that they will have Soderberg to play for them in the world championships.
“He is the best Swedish centerman and will be the cornerstone of Tre Kroner in Stockholm WC,” Swedish Federation vice president Peter Forsberg said, according to Lehmann.
Linus Hugusson, who is the editor of Pro Hockey Magazine, also tweeted the news. He said that Forsberg explained the decision as “a matter of principle to us.”
TSN’s Bob McKenzie, however, tweeted that the move is still in the process of being blocked. So it’s tough to say whether or not the move has actually been formerly blocked, but it doesn’t sound good for the Bruins.
Soderberg reportedly agreed to a contract that would keep him in Boston for this season and the following two seasons. The big forward had led the Swedish Elite League in points this season, and the Bruins had hoped he would be able to join the club for the stretch run this season and into the playoffs.
Soderberg’s agent JP Barry told NESN’s Leah Hextall that he expects to find out if the league plans to reject the transfer by 5 p.m. on Friday.
