Anyone have the slightest clue where Elmer Soderblom will end up? If he's on the first line, he'll give the Detroit Red Wings a physical presence while the playmakers in Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond go to work.
We could also see Soderblom excel offensively if he's paired with two of the Wings top points producers. And it's not like he hasn't shown promise, with 11 points and four goals across 26 games last season. That's a 35-point campaign across 82 games, not bad for a late-round draft pick with little NHL experience.
But is there someone else on Detroit who'd make a better fit on that top line? Think what you want, but my initial instinct's saying Jonatan Berggren, assuming he enjoys a good camp. Or, maybe you go with Alex DeBrincat, even if it'd mean moving him away from Patrick Kane at least some of the time?
Detroit Red Wings have a tough decision to make with Elmer Soderblom
In an ideal world, the Red Wings would've had their top six set up and ready to roll. That would've put Soderblom, most likely, on the fourth line, and he'd play an energy and defense-first role. Unfortunately, that won't be the case unless Steve Yzerman surprises us.
Then there's the possibility the Red Wings put someone like Soderblom on multiple lines. Often, I feel like, the way we talk, and I know I'm guilty of it, that lines are set in stone when in fact that couldn't be further from the truth.
Coaching staffs mix and match lines from period to period at times and, based on what kind of looks the Wings get, Soderblom may be someone you constantly see switching lines with other forwards.
Do the Red Wings need that physical presence to land more ice time? Put Soderblom on the first line. If the Wings need their hardest hitters on the same line to inject energy and turnovers into the equation, then Soderblom can go on the fourth line and play the role well.
Soderblom's niche might be having no niche
Of course, it wouldn't be just Soderblom roaming from line to line. I can see other players, like Jonatan Berggren, Carter Mazur, and maybe even James van Riemsdyk playing similar roles. And there's nothing wrong with that, so long as everyone's meshing and playing a good game.
This makes Soderblom one of the more interesting players to watch during training camp, the preseason, and even early in the regular season. But I'm also curious to see what kind of jump he can make, especially if he can stay healthy throughout most, and ideally all, of the 82-game slate.