Detroit Red Wings’ 100th Anniversary Season
As the Detroit Red Wings gear up for their 100th anniversary season in the NHL, they are spotlighting a towering figure in the lineup: Elmer Soderblom, who stands at an impressive 6’8″. Soderblom has successfully made the team out of Training Camp for the second time in his career, and his ambition this time is to solidify his position in the NHL permanently.
Journey to the NHL
It’s noteworthy that Soderblom’s Red Wings journey began last season when he made his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens, the very team they will face to kick off the 2025-26 season. In that inaugural game, he scored his first NHL goal, a moment etched in his memory, particularly as he celebrated it with his visiting parents from Sweden. The achievement broke a scoreless tie, contributing to a 3-0 victory for the Wings. Reflecting on that special evening, he recalled,
“It was very fun and exciting, a dream come true.”
Draft and Development
Soderblom was drafted as the 159th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Red Wings. He first played 21 games for the team before returning to the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he honed his skills. Last season, he played in 26 games, recording four goals and seven assists. His most productive season to date came while playing for the Griffins in 2023-24, where he managed to score 13 goals and add 16 assists over 61 games.
Looking Ahead
After a successful offseason, Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman secured Soderblom for two additional seasons, giving him a $1.125 million cap hit. He is expected to start the new season on the fourth line, likely alongside Michael Rasmussen and newcomer Mason Appleton. This opportunity represents a pivotal moment for Soderblom as he aims to prove himself and leverage his considerable height in a competitive league.
He expressed his intent to remain consistent and continuously improve his game, stating,
“I want to show that I can play good at this level… I’ve learned to use my size to my advantage and play effectively with it.”
His unique stature, while not often a focal point for him, adds an interesting chapter to the Red Wings’ legacy.
“A couple of times, it’s fun,”
he commented about being the tallest player in the franchise’s history.
Anticipation for the Season
As the Red Wings prepare to face the Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena, fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on Soderblom as he embarks on what he hopes will be a long-lasting career with the team.
