Detroit City Wire

Elmer Soderblom, recently recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, is eager to capitalize on his latest opportunity with the Detroit Red Wings. The young forward aims to demonstrate his capabilities in his second NHL stint, as he expressed before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. "I just want to show my game and play the way I’ve been playing," Soderblom stated. "Show that I can play at this level, so I’m excited."

In his season debut for 2024-25 with the Red Wings, Soderblom contributed one shot and two hits during 13:54 of ice time in a narrow 2-1 overtime defeat to the Flyers. He played alongside Michael Rasmussen and Christian Fischer.

Detroit's head coach Todd McLellan praised Soderblom's performance, noting his authority on the ice. "Very happy with him," McLellan remarked. "Right from morning skate, he looked like he fit in. He played with some authority."

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin also commended Soderblom’s skills and engagement during the game. “His size and hands stick out right away, but [Soderblom] was engaged,” Larkin said. “I think he made a lot of really good plays.”

In 38 games with Grand Rapids this season, Soderblom has accumulated 17 points through five goals and 12 assists. Since joining the Griffins in 2022-23, he has played in 119 AHL games, amassing 54 points (23 goals, 31 assists). Reflecting on his time with Grand Rapids, Soderblom commented on the positive team environment: “The group in Grand Rapids is really good.”

Selected by Detroit as the 159th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Soderblom initially joined the Red Wings’ roster for Opening Night in 2022-23 and finished that season with eight points (five goals, three assists) over 21 NHL games.

Soderblom believes he has grown since his NHL debut. “This feels better and better,” he noted about his development.

Coach McLellan emphasized that for Soderblom to excel at this level consistently, he must leverage his physical attributes effectively. “There’s big players in the NHL," McLellan explained. "I think Elmer has other tools to go with it.”

Soderblom remains focused on further improving his game: “I’ve worked hard every day to get here,” he said.