Elmer Söderblom

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