Can a sixth-rounder taken in the Steve Yzerman era seriously have a chance to make it in the NHL? Right now, Elmer Soderblom looks like he's finally ready to transform into a full-timer for the Detroit Red Wings.
Soderblom, the 159th overall pick in 2019, had a steep learning curve, but he's shown what happens when you stay the course. So, for Will Murphy, there's a chance the 172nd pick of the 2025 draft could follow a similar route.
Yeah, there are differences between Murphy and Soderblom; notably the fact that the former has worked his way through the ranks in North America and the latter, Europe. They also play different positions, with Murphy sidling in on the blue line while Soderblom's a winger.
But they each carry towering height, ample size, and edginess in their games. So that's what makes these two so similar. That said, it'd be wrong to count out Murphy based on odds and probabilities of how often sixth-round picks make the big club.
Will Murphy's development is one you'll want to keep a close eye on
Here's what we know about Murphy: He's going to either hit or skate right through opponents, box out opposing skaters, use the intimidation factor to his advantage when another player doesn't think twice about crossing him, and he'll keep the puck clear of any high-danger area he's assigned to cover.
That should paint you a vivid picture of what you can expect from Murphy as he continues his career in Cape Breton. No, his points total won't impress you, and you can even call it laughable.
But some players don't need to wow fans with points, so long as they're shutting down opponents. That's why it wouldn't surprise me if Murphy, five or so years down the road, got an opportunity to play full-time NHL minutes on the bottom pairing.
He's a born role player, not one who needs to spend any more than 16 minutes on the ice at the NHL level, should he get there. If Murphy makes it one day and simply "helps the team win" by playing his role and nothing more, he'll have a solid career in a niche that a team like the Wings can use right now.
Obviously, Murphy's not the answer in 2025. But the point is, players with his style have time and again proven their worth in this league, even if they're rather faceless.
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