Extras and Injured
Andrew Copp: B-
58GP 10G 13A 23Pts
After two less-than-optimal seasons from Copp, He seemed to really pick things up after the coaching change. He was placed back in between Kane and DeBrincat on the second line for a while and seemed to thrive, doing the things that his wingers weren't necessarily equipped to do.
Being the defensively stable centerman to cover for his more offensively-minded linemates and the one most willing to go into the dirty areas and battle along the boards, Copp was able to find a place in the lineup where he could be more effective. The coaching change seemed to help Copp a lot, as he played a style of hockey that he was more comfortable with under McLellan than the overly defensive "Try not to lose" style Lalonde was forcing them to play.
Elmer Soderblom: B+
26GP 4G 7A 11Pts
Raymond and Larkin have had a revolving door of wingers on the top line all season. But Soderblom felt like the most appropriate player to grade with the top line. Soderblom was sent to Grand Rapids during his debut season and was starting to look like an unfortunate lost cause as a prospect. Thankfully, he was able to pull it together, and play his way back onto the Red Wings roster, and made it stick.
He wasn't a massive point producer, but he didn't look entirely out of place on the top line (Other than being a Swedish giant) and, for the most part, was able to keep up with Larkin and Raymond. His biggest development was probably learning how to use his size to his advantage. While he wasn't on the ice running guys over, he was able to use his body to protect the puck well and win plenty of board battles. He may not be a top-six guy, but he could easily be a very effective bottom-six player.