Detroit Red Wings
Young Red Wings Seeking Consistency
Being an every day player vital to long-term NHL success
When he was coaching the Detroit Red Wings, Mike Babcock liked to call them everydayers.
They were the players he knew he could count on. The guys who were going to bring everything they’ve got to the ice every game.
As young players find their way in the NHL, finding a way to be consistent, to be the same player game in and game out, is among the biggest challenges they face.
As far as forward Elmer Soderblom is concerned, it’s the most significant lesson he’s learned while growing into status as an NHL regular.
5 points in 5 games for Elmer Soderblom!!
We’ve been saying it all year in Grand Rapids, his game has improved massively! The physical play, his play on and off the puck, everything has improved!
It’s time for us to accept…he’s not coming back to GR is he…🥹#LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/KqnlBzUUYq
— x – Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) February 5, 2025
“I think just the everyday, like the way you play every day,” Soderblom explained. “You have to find a way to play for 82 games. You have to find a way to be consistent.
“I think a lot of the veteran guys know how to do that. I mean, they bring something to the table every night. So I think just find a way to be consistent. It’s going to be huge for me, and I think that’s a step in the right direction.”
Red Wings Kasper Found Consistency
One player who seemed to quickly figure out a way to avoid the peaks and valleys that can impact a young player during the development stage is center Marco Kasper. Barely into his 20s, once he gained a regular place in the lineup under new coach Todd McLellan, there weren’t many nights that Kasper wasn’t trending in the right direction.
Marco Kasper calls game! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/fbAkk1Yhzg
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 12, 2025
“I think I know it’s always the same,” Kasper suggested. “Maybe it’s a boring answer, but what I’m trying to do is really go out there every day and do the best I can.
“If it’s off the ice, in the gym. It’s honestly whatever I do, really in life. I’m trying to do the best I can. And that’s really how I’m gonna look at it.”
