The Daily: Soderblom Joining Griffins for Playoffs; Detroit Pick?

Elmer Soderblom showed the Detroit Red Wings this season that he now knows how to use his 6-foot-8 frame and long reach to make some contributions at the NHL level.

But he clearly isn’t taking his status for granted. He said Saturday that as soon as he is recovered from his injury, he’s planning to play for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL playoffs. It has to please the Red Wings that Soderblom seems to understand that he still needs to work on his game to become a more effective NHL player.

Coach Todd McLellan tried Soderblom briefly playing with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, but it seems more likely that he will end up playing on a third line, alongside 6-foot-6 Michael Rasmussen. The idea of having a third line with size and some scoring potential excites NHL coaches. Soderblom is not probably going to be as physical as fans wish he would be, but he has learned how to use his size more effectively.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Dylan Larkin’s assessment of his team’s biggest issue is telling in its simplicity: We just didn’t win hockey games. Bob Duff looks why the Red Wings lack a killer instinct.

Duff writes that the Red Wings performance level will be higher if they have coach Todd McLellan for a full NHL season.

Axel Sandin Pellikka had one assist in his AHL debut for the Grand Rapids Griffins Friday.

Red Wings Extra

Tankathon.com mock draft has the Red Wings taking 6-foot-6 right defenseman Radek Mrtka with the No. 12 pick. He’s a Czech player who played for Seattle in the Western Hockey League this past season.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Colleen Flynn writes about what makes coach Jared Bednar successful. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Don’t forget the Panthers will start the postseason with Aaron Ekblad on the sidelines. He still has two games remaining on his 20-game suspension. Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: Flyers players didn’t hold back when it came to offering their thoughts on former Philadelphia coach John Tortorella. They had plenty to say in their exit interviews. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari offers an opinion on what the Penguins should do with Bryan Rust. Pittsburg Penguins

San Jose: What the Sharks are planning to in free agency this summer. San Jose Sharks.