Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Daily: Opportunity Could Be Knocking For Soderblom; Seider Delivering Perfection

As NHL stars continue to turn down the chance to play for Sweden at the world tourney, it could be opening the door for Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom.

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2022

Bob Duff

Detroit Red Wings draft pick Elmer Soderblom is awaiting word whether he'll be added to Sweden's world tourney roster.

Johan Garpenlov’s disappointment could prove to be an opening for Detroit Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom.

An endless series of thanks but no thanks messages from top Swedish players to national team coach Garpenlov is leaving him running out of time to finalize his lineup for the IIHF World Championship.

Sweden played its opening game of the tournament on Saturday with just nine forwards as former Red Wings forward Garpenlov awaited word from Swedish NHLers and players from the Farjestad-Lulea SHL final as to whether they’d be joining the squad. And the word he got was no.

NHL players Marcus Johansson and Johan Larsson of the Washington Capitalals and Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin of the Minnesota Wild all turned down Garpenlov’s invitation. Among those playing in the SHL final that sent their regrets was former Red Wings forward Jacob de la Rose.

Elmer flying up the ice #LGRW pic.twitter.com/CVS60myZUQ

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) May 8, 2022

Soderblom, the mammoth 6-foot-8, 249-pound 2019 Red Wings draftee who scored a team-leading 21 goals for Frolunda this season, is among six players currently with the Swedish squad but not yet added to the tournament roster.

“They may be relevant,” Garpenlov told Aftonbladet.se of his taxi squad. “They are here for a reason and have done well so far. We have to make a decision.

“You do not want to register anyone who you may regret later. At the same time, you have to win the matches along the way. We cannot keep on playing with nine forwards for too long. We will see what we decide.”

Sweden beat Austria 3-1 on Saturday. Red Wings netminder Magnus Hellberg was in the lineup as backup goalie for the Swedes.

Seider Siding With Perfection

Germany evened its record at the world tourney at 1-1. The Germans edged Slovakia 2-1.

While Red Wings defenseman and Calder Trophy favorite Moritz Seider was held off the scoresheet, his value to the German squad can’t be questioned.

Seider played 24:13 in Germany’s 5-3 loss to Canada on Friday. He scored once, figured in all three German goals and wasn’t on the ice for any of Canada’s five tallies.

Seider vs. Slovakia: 0 points, 0 shots, led all players with 22:35 of ice time. On the ice for both of Germany's goals for. Germany outscoring opposition 5-0 with Seider on the ice at all strengths through two games (Canada & Slovakia).

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) May 14, 2022

Saturday, Seider skated a game-high 22:35. He was on the ice for both German goals and wasn’t on the ice when the Slovaks scored.

If you’re keeping score at home, Germany is winning 5-0 with Seider on the ice. The Germans are losing 6-0 when Seider’s not on the ice.

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