Detroit Red Wings recall Lord Elmer Söderblom, why it matters

Last Saturday, we watched dinosaurs scattered across the Van Andel Arena. They weren’t the only giants storming the building as we had the likes of Sebastian Cossa and Elmer Söderblom gracing the ice. Like the dinosaurs’ time ended in the Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids Griffins fans likely have seen Söderblom in his final game with the team. It’s about darn time, too.

Much like his fellow Detroit Red Wings prospects, Söderblom has fallen victim to the free agent signing frenzy and a desire to keep the Detroit Red Wings’ depth intact. After Söderblom, the Detroit Red Wings could recall Austin Watson (leads the team with a +13 rating), possibly Joe Snively (leads the team with 14 goals), or even Dominik Shine (leads the team in total points with 29) upfront. However, that’s about all the Detroit Red Wings could feasibly recall from the Grand Rapids Griffins in terms of forwards. As opposed to last season when we had Jonatan Berggren and Marco Kasper in the mix, even Taro Hirose, the cupboards are once again getting bare. Even Amadeus Lombardi or Carter Mazur could have thrown their hat into the recall ring if events so warranted it. However, both are injured (hopefully Mazur is soon to return!).

There’s Nate Danielson, too, but he’s doing his thing. Consistency is key at this stage in his development, so he likely isn’t getting recalled any time soon (thankfully for the Grand Rapids Griffins).

Of all the guys who could be recalled, Söderblom is at the top of the pyramid. He has looked like a different player this season. Long gone are the days of a Lord Elmer who was afraid to injure, the new Lord Elmer is one handling guys, sending them flying like he’s the main character in a superhero plot. Seriously, though, sometimes I think Söderblom could challenge the Hulk. Rather than always being angry like the Hulk, though, Söderblom is still even-keeled for the most part. It takes a lot to anger the stoic Swede. Annoyed seems like a regular emotion for Söderblom, but rarely angered.

Although his 17 points (five goals and 12 assists) in 38 games don’t jump off the page, they’re very deceiving. I understand if you haven’t had time to watch the Grand Rapids Griffins, but I can assure you that in each game that I have watched, Söderblom has left me asking, why is he even here? 

What does the recall of Elmer Söderblom mean for the Detroit Red Wings?

My assumptions have been wrong in the past, so who knows if this one is correct. But, I reckon if the Detroit Red Wings didn’t think the recalled player would play tonight against the Philidelphia Flyers, they would have recalled their veteran player based on their history in recalling players. 

Also, it’s not a recall under emergency conditions, which I think is relevant as well. 

The Detroit Red Wings have not played up to the standards they set early on in Todd McLellan’s tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. While the recall of Söderblom could very well be illness or injury-related for the Detroit Red Wings, it might be just as likely that Steve Yzerman (or McLellan) needs to inject something into the lineup. Söderblom isn’t meant to be a savior of the team, but I can assure you that regardless of the number of minutes Söderblom plays, he will have intensity, physicality, and create offensive chances for the Detroit Red Wings. 

Although he likely starts with five-on-five time only, Söderblom is a staple on the power play and penalty kill for the Grand Rapids Griffins. If Söderblom remains full-time with the Detroit Red Wings, he should get a chance on both special teams. Now that he is bringing the physicality that was lacking in his game, he’s coupling it with the high skill he’s known for to create a very impactful, effective player the Detroit Red Wings are in desperate need of lately.

Söderblom has an array of shots, dekes, dangles, and puck protection maneuvers that make him a menace to opponents and invaluable to the Detroit Red Wings organization. His long reach might even make Simon Edvinsson envious as he seems to stretch from one side of the rink to the other as he takes away passing and shooting lanes along with space for anyone who comes across his path. He's a huge asset to the team (in more ways than one).

Here’s to hoping he will stay with the Detroit Red Wings long term.