C/W Elmer Söderblom - Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL (2019, 159th, DET)

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

 

[Hockeyfrilla]

Sweet hands by the big man

 

[Vasilevskiy]

sick goal

 

[RedHawkDown]

His reach is comical
Such an interesting player, I don’t think there’s anyone in the NHl like him

 

[Henkka]

His reach is comical
Such an interesting player, I don’t think there’s anyone in the NHl like him

Only Simon Edvinsson is able to play against him.

 

[Petes2424]

Looking more obvious at this point, he was the steal of the 19’ Draft. Good chance we see him playing stretches in the NHL next season. Very unique player because of his size but that shouldn’t fool anyone. This kid is legit and just keeps getting better.

 

[Dotter]

Is there a more exciting 2019 draftee selected past the 2nd round than Elmer? I can't imagine there is.

Imagine a forward the size of Zdeno Chara with the skillset of a 5'10" player. He's quick, has sick hands, hard shot, and a high IQ. If he can learn a mean streak and play a more powerforward role, he could develop into a highly unique player that we haven't seen before.

I hope he plays in the AHL next season.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Is there a more exciting 2019 draftee selected past the 2nd round than Elmer? I can't imagine there is.

Imagine a forward the size of Zdeno Chara with the skillset of a 5'10" player. He's quick, has sick hands, hard shot, and a high IQ. If he can learn a mean streak and play a more powerforward role, he could develop into a highly unique player that we haven't seen before.

I hope he plays in the AHL next season.

That might happen as he plays more in North America and has people taking shots at him.

He is looking more and more like a potential Tage Thompson type. (something I would not have said before this season as a positive)

 

[WingsMJN2965]

My big concern is, will he be able to stick handle like that on smaller ice?

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

My big concern is, will he be able to stick handle like that on smaller ice?

He’s not stick handling on the wall. He’s cutting to the slot. I don’t think you have to worry.

 

[DamonDRW]

After watching some clips in here he actually reminds me a lot of Johan Franzen. Silky hands, great reach, big and really strong on his skates. A kind of great set of skills for NHL.

 

[Pavels Dog]

My big concern is, will he be able to stick handle like that on smaller ice?

I don't think the ice surface is necessarily the deciding factor, it's more about playing against guys who are generally bigger and better at breaking up plays. I think he'll get there but it could take a year or two of learning and splitting time in AHL.

 

[Henkka]

Is there any reason why hasn't he signed with Detroit yet?

 

[Baaaaaaaaaaaaah]

They are apparently negotiating him coming over. Horcoff had an interview the other day and mentioned it.

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

Is there any reason why hasn't he signed with Detroit yet?

Now that his season is done, He'll probably be signed sometime in June. No reason not to get it done both he and Yzerman want to get it done sooner rather than later.

 

[grentthealien]

Just how good is his skating for a 6 foot 8 forward? I really like the idea of this player, seems like something you’d create in a NHL video game hahaha

 

[haulinbass]

Just how good is his skating for a 6 foot 8 forward? I really like the idea of this player, seems like something you’d create in a NHL video game hahaha

He's just a little bit faster than McDavid and shoots the puck a little bit better than Ovie.

Lol, I would say he skates similarly to Rasmussen. He moves well for a guy his size but isn't particularly fast or quick or anything. I don't see his skating being a weakness or strength in the NHL.

Maybe some other guys have seen his skating more than me though and can peg it a little better

 

[ThankGord]

He's just a little bit faster than McDavid and shoots the puck a little bit better than Ovie.

Lol, I would say he skates similarly to Rasmussen. He moves well for a guy his size but isn't particularly fast or quick or anything. I don't see his skating being a weakness or strength in the NHL.

Maybe some other guys have seen his skating more than me though and can peg it a little better

Much better skater than Ras IMO (guy is constantly falling). Check the highlights by icehockeygifs.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

He's just a little bit faster than McDavid and shoots the puck a little bit better than Ovie.

Lol, I would say he skates similarly to Rasmussen. He moves well for a guy his size but isn't particularly fast or quick or anything. I don't see his skating being a weakness or strength in the NHL.

Maybe some other guys have seen his skating more than me though and can peg it a little better

Much better than Rasmussen. Also a far better puckhandler. Also a good 20lbs heavier.

 

[haulinbass]

Much better skater than Ras IMO (guy is constantly falling). Check the highlights by icehockeygifs.

I guess I was only looking at speed not how solid he is on his feet. I compelely agree Ras is soft. If the kid starts playing to his size I think he will become a solid player for us.

 

[ThankGord]

I guess I was only looking at speed not how solid he is on his feet. I compelely agree Ras is soft. If the kid starts playing to his size I think he will become a solid player for us.

I hear ya, I think it’s difficult to look fast when you’re a giant haha

 

[FlyguyOX]

Red Wings Prospect Soderblom Named EHC Young Player of Year

Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom is the Alliance of European Hockey Clubs Player of the Year.

detroithockeynow.com

 

[newfy]

Red Wings Prospect Soderblom Named EHC Young Player of Year

Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom is the Alliance of European Hockey Clubs Player of the Year.

detroithockeynow.com

Thats a pretty big award to win.

I think hes going to get some NHL games next year but wont make the team outright

 

[redwings8831]

Wasn't posted in this thread but he signed an entry level contract last week.

 

[Reddwit]

Just how good is his skating for a 6 foot 8 forward? I really like the idea of this player, seems like something you’d create in a NHL video game hahaha

Echoing the sentiment that Soderblom is a much better skater than Ras. That’s a bad comparison.

Soderblom isn’t fast, but he’s an incredibly smooth skater. Great 4-way movement and mechanics, not just for a guy his size. In tight, he almost looks like he’s a 6’0 guy who only appears bigger because the camera has a 15%+ zoom on him or something.