Report: Boston Bruins Acquire Carl Soderberg

The Boston Bruins have reportedly struck a deal to acquire Swedish center Carl Soderberg to bolster their offense for the stretch run. 

Red Line Report's Kirk Luedeke reported the deal this afternoon via Twitter:

Done deal- Soderberg to Bruins happening & expect him in next 7 days (give or take) Appreciate all the new follows...

— Kirk Luedeke (@kluedeke29) April 9, 2013

In the summer of 2007, the Bruins dealt young goaltender, Hannu Toivonen, to the St. Louis Blues for the rights to Soderberg who has until now starred in the Swedish Elitserien. 

With Boston's scoring depth called into question throughout the season, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli declared an interest in finally signing the 27-year-old Swede. 

The former second round pick led the Elitserien with 31 goals this season and finished second in the league with 60 points in 54 games, making him look like a perfect fit for the ailing Bruins offense. 

When Soderberg's Linkopings HC crashed out of the second round of the Elitserien playoffs by losing to Skelleftea AIK on April 5, "Soderberg Watch" reached high alert. 

According to Luedeke, Soderberg has likely inked a three-year deal. Though it remains uncertain when he will arrive, it seems likely that he will be on the ice one week from now for Boston's April 17 tilt with the Buffalo Sabres. 

If that is the case he will be available for a minimum of six games if not more, before getting his first crack at the NHL playoffs. 

The 6'3", 210lb Soderberg has "very good hands and a strong wrister" according to Peter Chiarelli (Boston Globe). He will likely fit in on Boston's third line, but he could see time in the top-six if Patrice Bergeron continues to miss action with a concussion. 

If and when Bergeron returns, Soderberg should give the Bruins remarkable depth down the middle, that could carry them deep into the playoffs. 

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