Former first rounder potentially heading to Europe after changing agencies

After changing agencies, former first round draft pick of the Arizona Coyotes Victor Soderstrom appears to be heading to Europe to play overseas.

When the clock struck noon Eastern Time on Monday, July 1st, former Arizona Coyotes first-round pick Victor Soderstrom officially became a restricted free agent. Since then, there appears to have been no progress in contract talks between Soderstrom and his team, Utah HC.

Last week, reports surfaced that Utah was exploring trade options for Soderstrom. While a trade is still possible, there is also a chance that Soderstrom might not play in North America at all next season. According to Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports, Soderstrom has changed agents and is no longer represented by Quartexx Hockey. Morgan added that there is some speculation Soderstrom may decide to play in Europe for the 2024-25 season. Even if he does, Utah will retain his rights as they issued a qualifying offer last month.

Soderstrom, 23, came to North America in 2021 and has spent most of his career in the American Hockey League with the Tucson Roadrunners. He has also played in 53 NHL games for the now-dissolved Arizona Coyotes. During the 2023-24 season, Soderstrom had career highs in goals, assists, and points, helping Tucson make a playoff appearance. In 62 games last season with the Roadrunners, he recorded 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists), 34 penalty minutes, and a minus-eight rating.

We'll have to wait and see how this situation develops in the coming weeks and months. Utah is likely hoping to agree on a contract with Soderstrom and keep him in their system for the 2024-25 season rather than losing him to a European team.

Credit: bladeofsteelFormer Coyotes first-rounder changes agents, may play in Europe this season

Elliotte Friedman confirms the Montreal Canadiens are working to get two players on the trade market

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch provides critical injury update on Connor McDavid's injury

Leafs head coach Craig Berube makes a shocking last-minute healthy scratch against the Jets

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras linked to Western Conference team

Calgary Flames top prospect's agency calls out the team publicly following his demotion

Malcolm Subban, brother of former NHL defenseman PK Subban, signs new contract

New York Rangers surprisingly shake things up with Matt Rempe following a dreadful AHL performance

Defenseman signs five-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Calls to send Avalanche's struggling number one goalie Alexandar Georgiev to the AHL start to emerge

Kyle Dubas gets blasted by his own grandmother for making a horrible mistake with the Penguins