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Detroit may be getting Soderblom back as they face Carolina with just 8 more games to play. The Wings sit 6 points out and 3 teams back of the wildcard spot so this final stretch may be more about players looking to lock down roles for next season than being in the think of the post season fight.

What’s interesting in the language. If you head to Mlive.com (paywall on this one) Soderblom is referred to as a “top line winger” and net front presence in the description. While the big man has certainly meshed more with Larkin and Raymond in the latter part of the season, it’s not a descriptor that would have been used entering the 24/25 campaign. It may be simply pragmatic, Soderblom is playing in the top 6. It may also be perception that the player is putting together a game where he can be used in more than just a depth role.

If it were possible, put him next door to Holmstrom over the summer and learn the fine art of the forward facing screen. Of course one look at the knees of the retired “demolition man” may cause some 2nd thoughts. Still, in my lifetime as a fan no other Wings player has worked harder at that position. Up until retirement Holmstrom would try to get in 100 tips after practice. He studied video of goalie movement so he could mimick their tendencies, and even sanded the finish off of the bottom of his stick blade for the task.

A look back at the “golden era” of a Gen X lifetime for Detroit sees role players mixed with hall of fame talent and Holmstrom became the bane of goalies/lumberjacks across the league. Bowman gave him an assignment and he fulfilled it. For Soderblom, if he can put all the elements together, continue to gain strength and reps there is a lot he could do for the team in the right position.

Let me know your thoughts on Elmer, do you see him as having increased his value? Or (glass half empty) is there opportunity with a lack of upside on the free agent signings and Soderblom grabbed it? Either way, he’s been shuffled forward and it’s a great experience. Veleno and Berggren have had looks (as well as Tarasenko and Compher) in the top 6 but ultimately seemed unable to hold on to a spot.

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