Mid-Season Grades for Detroit Red Wings Prospects

Elmer Soderblom (LW/RW, Frolunda HC, SHL)

Grade: A

Elmer Soderblom is currently in his first full season in the SHL.  Soderblom is currently the top U21 scorer in the SHL.  In 34 games, Soderblom has scored 14 goals, six assists, 20 points, and a -4 rating.  Soderblom has until 2023 before he needs to sign his entry-level contract with Detroit.  If Soderbloms signs this summer, he will likely start next season in Grand Rapids (AHL).

Liam Dower Nilsson (C, Frolunda HC, J20)

Grade: A-

Liam Dower Nilsson is currently in his 3rd partial season playing in the J20.  Nilsson is currently 12th the J20 with 1.39 PPG.  In 23 games, Nilsson has scored 11 goals, 21 assists, 32 points, and a +12 rating.  Nilsson has also played seven games for Frolunda in the SHL.  Nilsson will likely move up to play in the SHL full-time next year.  Nilsson has until 2025 before he needs to sign his entry-level contract with Detroit.

Albert Johansson (LD, Farjestad BK, SHL)

Grade: A-

Albert Johansson is currently playing his 2nd full season in the SHL.  For the 2nd consecutive season, Johansson is on loan to play in Sweden.  Johansson is currently the highest scoring U21 defenseman in the SHL.  In 38 games, Johansson has scored three goals, 16 assists, 19 points, and a -7 rating.  Johansson will challenge for a spot on the Detroit defense next season.

William Wallinder (LD, Rogle BK, SHL)

Grade: B+

William Wallinder is currently playing in his first partial season in the SHL.  Wallinder is currently 3rd in scoring for U21 defensmen in the SHL.  In 29 games, Wallinder has scored four golas, eight assists, 12 points, and a +3 rating.  While playing seven games in the J20, Wallinder has scored one goal, three assists, four points, and a +8 rating.  Wallinder currently remains unsigned with Detroit.  The Red Wings have until 2024 in order to sign Wallinder to an entry-level contract.

Simon Edvinsson (LD, Frolunda HC, SHL)

Grade: B+

Simon Edvinsson is currently in his 1st full season in the SHL.  Edvinsson is  currently 3rd in U21 scoring for defensmen.  In 26 games, Edvinsson has one goal, 11 assists, 12 points, and a +2 rating.  Edvinsson also remains unsigned with Detroit.  The Red Wings have until 2025 in order to sign Edvinsson to an entry-level contract.  Edvinsson probably needs one more season in the SHL or a season in Grand Rapids (AHL), before making a serious push for a roster spot with the Red Wings.

Theodor Niederbach (C/RW, Frolunda HC, SHL)

Grade: C

Theodor Niederbach is currently playing in his first full season in the SHL.  In limited playing time, Niederbach is currently 13th in U21 scoring.  In 34 games, Niederbach has scored three goals, four assists, seven points, and an even +/- rating.  In two games played during the WJC, Niederbach scored two goals.  The Red Wings have until 2024 in order to sign Niederbach to an entry-level contract.  Niederbach will likely stay in the SHL for at least one more season before venturing to North America.

Otto Kivenmaki (RW/C, Pelicans, Liiga)

Grade: C-

Otto Kivenmaki is currently playing in his 3rd full season in Liiga.  In 42 games, Kivenmaki has scored five goals, 12 assists, 17 points, and a -1 rating.  Kivenmaki must sign with the Red Wings before the deadline this summer.  Detroit will likely allow Kivenmaki’s rights to expire so that he can become a free agent.

Albin Grewe (RW/LW, Mora IK, HockeyAllsvenskan)

Grade: C-

After two partial seasons in the SHL, Albin Grewe is currently playing one league lower, in the HockeyAllsvenskan.  In 20 games, Grewe has scored a disappointing two goals, seven assists, nine points, and a -2 rating.  Grewe started the year playing four games for Ilves (Liiga), and was held without any points.  The Red Wings have until 2023 in order to sign Grewe to an entry-level contract.  Grewe will likely remain in Europe next season.

Eemil Viro (LD, TPS, Liiga)

Grade: D+

Eemil Viro is currently in the first season of his entry-level contract with Detroit.  He is currently on loan to TPS for his 3rd partial season in Liiga.  A steady defensive defenseman, Viro’s offensive play has been stagnant this year as his offensive production is considerably lower than last year.  In 34 games, Viro has scored one goal, three asists, four points, and a -1 rating.  Last year, Viro scored four goals, 10 assists, 14 points, and a +12 rating in 53 games.  Next season, Viro will likely try to earn a spot in Grand Rapids (AHL).

Gustav Berglund (RD, Mora IK, HockeyAllsvenskan)

Grade: D+

Gustav Berglund is currently playing in his 2nd season in the HockeyAllsvenskan.  In 10 games, Berglund has scored two goals, one assist, three points, and a -5 rating.  Earlier in the season, Berglund played seven games for Farjestad (SHL).  The Red Wings have until 2023 in order to sign Berglund to an entry-level contract.  He will likely remain in Sweden next year.