Elmer Söderblom

August 2024 – Although Soderblom seemingly took a step backwards this year, he is one of the biggest guys in the game (6-8, 246 lbs) and will likely need a few more years to really hit his stride. After being an effective bottom-six forward for the Wings in 2022-23, driving play quite well relative to his teammates in a sheltered role, the 22-year-old spent all of 2023-24 with Grand Rapids in the AHL. His half-a-point-per-game performance in the minors points to him resuming that same bottom-six role whenever he returns to Detroit, though his scoring rate (0.48 points per game) effectively matched the higher profile Marco Kasper, for reference, and was top-five on the Griffins. He has an intriguing profile and could be a mainstay in red and white for the next decade plus. Ben Gehrels

October 2023 – The 6-8 Swedish prospect was assigned to Grand Rapids of the AHL for the start of the 2023-24 season but will likely be one of the first call-ups if and when injuries occur. The 245-pound forward impressed at rookie camp and during the preseason, but his waiver eligibility makes him one of the final roster cuts. Taller players tend to take more time to develop as the former sixth-round pick continues to adjust to the North American ice. The Red Wings would like to see him use his big frame to protect the puck better when he’s down low and would also like to see a more physical game from him. Last season Soderblom registered five goals and three assists in 21 games with the big club, but will have to re-establish himself for the upcoming season as the team went through a massive offseason overhaul in free agency. He is worthy of a roster stash in all dynasty formats as his big frame could help him become a multi-category stud in the upcoming seasons.  Evan Sabourin

April 2023 – The 6-8 behemoth had a very encouraging first year in North America, which saw him start the season with the big club. He played 21 games for the Red Wings, and then 20 for the Griffins of the AHL after he was sent down in January. He then suffered an undisclosed injury that wiped out the rest of his season. He didn’t play a game after March 10. Soderblom had five goals with the Red Wings and five more for the Griffins. The 2019 sixth-round draft pick didn’t look out of place in Detroit and GM Steve Yzerman is excited about his future with the club. “I have a good idea of what he is as a player,” Yzerman said. “Is there room for growth? Absolutely. I still think he has tons of potential.” The 21-year-old still needs to work on his skating as he gets familiar with the smaller ice surfaces over here, but no one in the organization is denying his possible impact. He could be the net front presence the Wings have lacked since Tomas Holmstrom retired. It remains to be seen if he will start the season in Grand Rapids or Detroit. While it may take someone his size a little more time to develop – he is most certainly worth a roster stash and could see increased value with some adequate power play time. Evan Sabourin

January 2021 – The monstrous 6’8″ forward showed impressive tools at the WJC. He scored not one, but two sliky between the leg goals as the net-front presence on Sweden’s power-play unit. The 19-year-old. recorded three points in five games as the Swedes saw their tournament end prematurely as they fell to the Finns in the quarter-finals. His skating remains an area in need of improvement, but at his size, he’s extremely difficult to get the puck away from. This tournament flashed the upside that could be coming – although the wait time is likely extensive. Cam Robinson

December 2020 – After dominating at Sweden’s J20 level last season, Soderblom has spent more time on the SHL roster this season but has been held pointless in limited minutes through just seven games. Like many of his fellow Red Wings prospects, Soderblom is expected to be on the Swedish roster for the 2021 World Junior Championships. Nick Richard

October 2020 – Söderblom was a dominant force at the J20 level for Frölunda last season where he finished with 29 goals and 26 assists in just 36 games. However, he struggled to produce at the next level where his size and strength advantage was not as evident, and he failed to register a point through 10 games with Frölunda’s senior squad. A massive man at 6-7 and over 225 pounds, Söderblom does not play an overly physical style but uses his body to establish net front position and win battles for loose pucks. His hands are much smoother than his feet, with his short and choppy stride being his greatest hindrance to success at the next level. He is expected to have a more regular role in the SHL this coming season. Nick Richard

March 2020 – Söderblom has been a very solid contributor for Frölunda J20 in the SuperElit this season. He’s a big body that is hard to handle and has good hands around the net, making him hard to defend. Skating is an issue and may be the blip that prevents him from being a star at the next level, the SHL. Ashley Glover