Soderblom Standing Tall In Red Wings Rookie Camp

Elmer Soderblom has a knack for standing out in the crowd.

Actually, all the Detroit Red Wings prospect needs to do in order to achieve this objective is walk into a room. At 6-foot-8 and 249 pounds, let’s just say you can’t help but notice him.

“That guy is an absolute tank,” teammate Cross Hanas said. “I don’t even understand it. When he has the puck on the ice it’s like you can’t even reach around him to get it.”

The thing is, at the NHL Rookie Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan, Soderblom is doing things with his massive frame when he’s on the ice that will ultimately leave him standing among a very special and select crowd.

That would be as an NHL player.

Soderblom Isn’t A Physical Powerhouse

Soderblom’s unique physical presence isn’t an asset he utilizes to his advantage in the traditional hockey manner. Players of his build generally earn their reputation between the boards by dishing out punishment.

Soderblom punishses the opposition with his skill.

Talked with Red Wings Elmer Soderblom earlier today…6 foot 8 inch forward. He said he wore number 25 for his team in Sweden because it was the biggest sweater on the team. LOL

— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) September 15, 2022

“I think my strength is attack mindset and being around the net and to be tough to play against,” Soderblom said. “Be able to protect the puck and use my big frame.”

If you’re coming to the rink waiting to see the 21-year-old Swede drive someone throught the boards, you’ll be waiting a long time.

That isn’t his game.

If you’re waiting to see someone drive the net and arrive with a presence, making life miserable for defensemen and netimders, then Elmer is your guy.

Yes, Soderblom is a tank, but he’s more of a Sherman Tank – fast, mobile and maneuverable.

“He’s always open with his big stick and his big body,” Hanas said. “I can see him in front of the net all the time and he’s always got his stick there, a stick presence. Goalies are having a tough time looking around him.

“You kind of just float one into him and let him do his thing. It’s pretty easy to play with a guy like that.”

Soderblom Finding His North American Footing

Last season, Soderblom found his groove. Detroit’s 159th pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft led Frolunda of the SHL with 21 goals. Opting to sign him following the season, Soderblom was brought to North America to play the 2022-23 campaign here.

“It’s going to be interesting…