The upcoming season will be critical for this Detroit Red Wings prospect

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Philippe Patenaude
September 12, 2024 (11:24)

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Elmer Söderblom wowed Detroit Red Wings fans by making the opening night lineup in 2022-23, showcasing his 6-foot-8 frame and playing 21 games that season.

Since then, Elmer Soderblom has been with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. During this time, numerous young players have joined or advanced within the organization, while Elmer Soderblom appears to be at a standstill.

As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, Elmer Soderblom faces a crucial juncture in his career. This season could determine whether he will have a successful career in North America.

Elmer Soderblom's performance in the 2023-24 season was marked by inconsistency. In his 20 AHL games during the 2022-23 season, he matched his NHL offensive output with five goals and eight points. It became evident that his strength lay in his physicality rather than in playmaking. Standing at 6-foot-8, he is most effective when leveraging his size to dominate along the boards and in front of the net. However, his second AHL season was underwhelming, with only 13 goals and 29 points in 61 games. Despite playing a variety of roles, he failed to make a significant impact, both offensively and physically.

The 2024-25 season is pivotal for Elmer Soderblom not just for his position on the depth chart but also due to his contract status. This season is his last without waiver requirements, meaning that from the 2025-26 season onward, he will need to clear waivers to be assigned to the AHL. To avoid this, he needs to demonstrate NHL readiness.

A successful season could see Soderblom moving up to Detroit more frequently. Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Derek Lalonde are seeking a tougher team, and a consistent Elmer Soderblom could meet that need. With his entry-level contract expiring, the front office will assess his future with the team. If Elmer Soderblom can find and embrace a specific role, whether in the bottom six or otherwise, he could secure his place in the NHL. This season is his chance to prove his value and secure his spot with the Detroit Red Wings.

Source : thehockeywriters.com
Red Wings' Elmer Söderblom Entering Critical Season