Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Sign 6-foot-8 Forward Elmer Soderblom to Entry-Level Deal

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2022

Nate Brown

The long anticipated entry-level deal has happened. The Detroit Red Wings signed forward Elmer Soderblom to an entry-level deal today, opening up the possibility of the towering forward playing in Detroit next season.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Elmer Soderblom to a three-year entry-level contract.

📰 » https://t.co/CPkTBpEzR7 pic.twitter.com/TaPyGsrKKh

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 9, 2022

In his end of the year press conference, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman had glowing comments for the 20-year-old Swede.

“This year we get to see on Twitter and Instagram some of the spectacular goals, even the one he scored yesterday or the day before,” Yzerman said. “It’s pretty fun to watch, and pretty encouraging.”

DHN Ranks Soderblom the 4th Best Detroit Prospect

In DHN’s recent article on the Red Wings‘ Top 10 Prospects, Soderblom came in fourth behind Simon Edvinsson, Sebastian Cossa, and Jonatan Berggren. The six-foot-eight forward led Frolunda in goals this season with 21, adding an impressive scoring touch to such a massive frame.

The fifth round pick from the 2019 draft is shaping up to be another Yzerman gem.

Though Yzerman is tempering expectations as he always does, he and the Red Wings staff certainly see the potential that Soderblom possesses.

“I don’t want to over-hype him and I’m not trying to over-hype him,” Yzerman said. “But we’re cautiously optimistic that he’ll be a real good NHLer.”

Could Soderblom make the Red Wings Next Season?

With a new coach still to be hired and some spots opening, Soderblom could find himself in a Lucas Raymond like situation. Detroit desperately needs goal scoring.

If Soderblom can contribute even a fraction of what he did in the SHL, it could pay dividends for Detroit.

While a stop in Grand Rapids to adjust to North American ice might first be in order, there’s no doubt that the Detroit fanbase–and front office–is excited at what Soderblom has shown so far.

“Sure he’s a pleasant surprise but we need some surprises within our drafts,” Yzerman said. We can’t just expect to be picking in the top ten every year and get a good player. It’s going to take a long time to build a team that way.”

“We need some of these players that are second through seventh rounders to make it,” Yzerman continued. “They’re not all going to make it, but it looks like he’s got a good opportunity.”