THREE THINGS: Get to Know Carl Söderberg

The Blackhawks added another veteran leader to their offensive corps on Saturday, signing Carl Söderberg to

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Söderberg, originally a 2004 second-round pick of the Boston Bruins, scored 35 points (17G, 18A) in 70 games last season with the Arizona Coyotes. The forward spent three seasons in Colorado before moving to the desert, setting career highs in points (51) and assists (39) with during the 2015-16 season and a career-high 23 goals in 2018-19.
Here's what you need to know about the 35-year-old centerman.

PLAY AT BOTH ENDS

Continuing a theme from the Blackhawks' offseason, Söderberg brings another two-way presence to the roster up front. In six of his seven full NHL seasons, the centerman has scored at least 35 points, while contributing on both sides of the puck and both special teams units.
He said he's open to playing wherever he needs to in the lineup this year.
"It's kind of been my role in the NHL for awhile, playing against top lines and chipping in offensively, scoring some goals," Söderberg said. "Hopefully that's what I can do this year too and I'm looking forward to the start (of the season)."
"Carl is an experienced center who plays a strong two-way game and adds an element of size to our group of centermen," said Stan Bowman, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. "He has shown the ability to score and match up, which is critical in today's game, and he also brings consistency and versatility to the team, evidenced by his usage on both special teams as well as even-strength play."

VETERAN PRESENCE

At 35 years old, Söderberg brings 552 regular-season games of experience to the Blackhawks lineup -- a total that trails only Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Zack Smith from the forward corps.
Coupled with the youthful energy of up-and-comers like Dominik Kubalik, Kirby Dach, Adam Boqvist and more, the veteran likes what he's seen from the Blackhawks roster.
"I was very impressed by them in the playoffs when they played against Edmonton," Söderberg said. "It's a very good team and a couple of veterans, but still a young team. I think this year it's going to be even better and hopefully I can help them."
Even with the rebuilding efforts, Söderberg said he sees the potential of a similar trajectory to one he witnessed in Colorado from 2015-2019. He was part of the last-place finishing Avalanche team in 2016-17 that then made the playoffs in his final two years in Denver before making a run in the Presidents' Trophy race last season.
"I know it's a rebuilding team but it goes quick," he said. "In Colorado a couple of years ago, we were rebuilding too, and now they're one of the contenders in the league. It goes quick."

HELLO AGAIN

Speaking of his time with the Avalanche, Söderberg re-joins former Colorado teammate Nikita Zadorov in Chicago as both embark on their first season with their new club. The forward knows first-hand what the 25-year-old defenseman can bring to the roster as well.
"Everyone knows he's a great guy and great hockey player," Söderberg said. "He brings size to the team and good skater and chips in offensively as well. I think it's going to be a great fit for Chicago."