Earlier today, DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills filed an article regarding one Elmer Soderblom’s figurative growth into a turning-North-American-pro player, and this evening, MLive’s Ansar Khan also filed an article which discusses the 6’8,” 249-pound winger from his coach’s perspective:
“His skating has gotten so much better [since his last prospect tournament two years ago],” Simon said. “Just growing into his body he’s become a lot stronger. You don’t teach size. So, when you’ve got that body and that strength on your skates, and he protects the puck so well, if he can play below the tops of the circles and take pucks to the net and make a living at the net front, he’s going to be exciting for Wings fans to watch.
“It’ll be curious to see how that projection happens and how that development continues and what kind of path he goes down. I’m sure Detroit’s extremely happy with where he’s at right now.”
Soderblom made a couple of nice plays in Saturday’s 5-4 loss to Dallas. He scored a goal by driving to the net and converting a pass from 2022 fourth-round pick Amadeus Lombardi. Soderblom also made a terrific stretch pass to spring Cross Hanas free for a breakaway goal.
Simon said Soderblom is one of the players who “really stands out,” not only due to his size, but also his skills.
“He’s moving his feet extremely well,” Simon said. “He’s going to have an interesting time in the pro game in terms of moving the puck quicker. You’ve got a little less time, less space to move around. That could be beneficial to him, but I also think it’s going to be a little bit of an acclimation period where he has to learn to use that to his benefit.”
Continued; Soderblom will definitely need some time in the AHL to acclimate to the North American pro game, but he’s not going to need a ton of time to be NHL-ready.
Soderblom spoke with DetroitRedWings.com’s Carley Johnson as well…
