Detroit Red Wings: Elmer Söderblom likely to earn call-up

The Detroit Red Wings will likely have some space on their NHL roster in the coming days. Between Tyler Bertuzzi being traded and Michael Rasmussen likely out for the season, there may be room to bring someone up from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Elmer Söderblom was highlighted as someone the Detroit Red Wings could bring up to fill the hole left by Michael Rasmussen, and that still rings true, even more so with some space on the roster. The 6-foot-8 forward would get his chance to try and further his development at the NHL level.

Plus, the Red Wings are still looking for someone to get a chance to bring some physicality to their game. Now, Söderblom has the frame for it but has not shown that “junkyard dog” attribute that players like Bertuzzi showed and Rasmussen as of late.

As he continues to fill out that massive frame and develop his game, he could bring a bit more of a physical element. However, he still deserves a chance to rejoin the Red Wings and see how his development has come along during his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Detroit Red Wings may call up Elmer Söderblom.

The Red Wings continue to cruise along with their 2022-23 season with a much different-looking team than they had when matching up against Ottawa on Wednesday. They may continue to earmark some time for players to come up from Grand Rapids, and Söderblom is in a good position to earn a call-up.

He made his NHL debut earlier in the year, playing in 21 games for the Red Wings this season with five goals and three assists for eight total points. He’s spent the rest of his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, working on his development and continuing to be ready for his call-up.

He may not be immediately coming up with the Red Wings still working through their deadline roster moves, but he’s likely to be someone who gets a call to join the Red Wings once again down the stretch. There may be room for him after tomorrow’s 3 P.M. trade deadline.

During his time in Grand Rapids, Söderblom played in 18 games, with five goals and three assists for eight points. He seemingly was able to improve his offense a bit with the Griffins. Even with the same point totals at the NHL and AHL levels, he’s looked comfortable with the Griffins and has flashed his play-making tools at times.

He’s very well someone who can produce scoring chances by way of his own stick or setting up others. But if he can go to the dirty areas in front of the net and battle some physicality, that 6-foot-8 frame should play well as a net-front forward.

Not to mention he has plus-hands which will factor into a net-front role being able to corral the puck to get a good shot or set up a teammate.