Jeremy Laura: Red Wings may see Soderblom return, thoughts on “The big man”

Having watched Soderblom develop in GR from the very beginning... I think he can still get better. Certainly has a higher ceiling than Rasmussen from what I've seen so far. Would be great to see him get more deflections and tip-ins in front of the other teams goal. His stick work is underrated.

To me Elmer is a much better version of Rasmussen. Way better hockey IQ, much stronger, better hands and shot. I don't think he will become a Tage Thompson but i think he can be a 20 goals, 40 to 50 points complement player in the top 6 to bring some size with the skill in the top 6.

With all the resources the Wings have in former players, i can't understand why they don't bring in former players to work with some of their players on specific things. How hard would it be to bring in Lidstrom a couple of times a year to work with some of their young defensemen to give them some off or on ice tips. How hard would it be to bring in Holmstrom to work with a couple of guys to teach them how to properly screen and tip shots. How hard would it be for Draper to go on the ice and work with the centers on faceoffs. How hard would it be to bring in McCarty or Kocur to work with the players on how to properly fight so we don't have another Rasmussen type of embarrassing fight and the players know how to defend themselves when needed. How hard would it be to bring in Brett Hull to work with some players on their shots. How hard would it be to bring in Datsyuk to teach them how to properly steal pucks and show them some stick handling drills. How hard would it be to bring in Kronwall to teach them how to deliver crushing open ice hits.

All these things could give those young players some confidence, a boost in their skills and an easy way to improve the team in the process. I still don't get why this isn't already happening. Wings have an abundance of HOF and great former utility players to draw from but they only seem to use them for Alumni games or ceremonies. Those players have a wealth of experience and knowledge in specific areas that they could be passing on to this generation of Wings players.

To me Elmer is a much better version of Rasmussen. Way better hockey IQ, much stronger, better hands and shot. I don't think he will become a Tage Thompson but i think he can be a 20 goals, 40 to 50 points complement player in the top 6 to bring some size with the skill in the top 6.

With all the resources the Wings have in former players, i can't understand why they don't bring in former players to work with some of their players on specific things. How hard would it be to bring in Lidstrom a couple of times a year to work with some of their young defensemen to give them some off or on ice tips. How hard would it be to bring in Holmstrom to work with a couple of guys to teach them how to properly screen and tip shots. How hard would it be for Draper to go on the ice and work with the centers on faceoffs. How hard would it be to bring in McCarty or Kocur to work with the players on how to properly fight so we don't have another Rasmussen type of embarrassing fight and the players know how to defend themselves when needed. How hard would it be to bring in Brett Hull to work with some players on their shots. How hard would it be to bring in Datsyuk to teach them how to properly steal pucks and show them some stick handling drills. How hard would it be to bring in Kronwall to teach them how to deliver crushing open ice hits.

All these things could give those young players some confidence, a boost in their skills and an easy way to improve the team in the process. I still don't get why this isn't already happening. Wings have an abundance of HOF and great former utility players to draw from but they only seem to use them for Alumni games or ceremonies. Those players have a wealth of experience and knowledge in specific areas that they could be passing on to this generation of Wings players.
- dcz28

They already do everything you suggested. Kronwall works with the D in the SHL (he talks to ASP weekly), Lidstrom has worked with D here and in Sweden. Kocur is absolutely helping players who want to get better at fighting. McCarty is at the BELFOR often. Guys like Maltby, Cleary, Draper, Fischer, Horcroft, etc., are always willing to help. There are always 90s and early 2000s players around and willing to help. You see the same thing with the Lions, Tigers and even Pistons.

Below is my perspective on Soderblom and the state of the rebuild. I am realist as is my perspective. My thoughts may not suitable for idealists and die-hards.

Soderblom is one of few players management has successfuly developed beyond initial expectations. However, confusing his size and a handful af exceptional games with talent and ability is foolish. He does not belong on a top-line.

Considering Soderblom as a top-line player exemplifies the build's failure. The team has developed no elite talent, at-best developing 2 average front line players, failed to trade from a "deep" but "uninspiring" prospect pool, signed inappropraite players, overpayed these players, and choose to avoid taking necessary steps to aquire top-3 picks. Additionally, the Wings are politely ridiculed by opposing management, not so politely by opposing players, and is universally included on "10+ team" no-trade lists.

Only the most die-hard fans cannot identify the fiasco. There are now 5 teams within the Atlantic division measurably better than the Wings. Each of these teams have enough talent to remain competitive for many years. 3 are cup-contendors and the other 2 are continuing to improve. It is extremely unlikely the current management group is willing to adapt the build, and the failures noted above will continue. This combined with the success of others indicates the playoff drough will extend for many years. Playing Soderblom on the first line will only increase his future contract demands, but will do nothing to end the prolonged drought.

Instead of addressing these issues, management and ownership seem content to dream Seider's play will suddenly improve, believe marginal prospects like ASP will become future stars, and maintain a premise the team is a single addition away from prolonged success. This is not how successful NHL organizations opperate. Its time for ownership act.

They already do everything you suggested. Kronwall works with the D in the SHL (he talks to ASP weekly), Lidstrom has worked with D here and in Sweden. Kocur is absolutely helping players who want to get better at fighting. McCarty is at the BELFOR often. Guys like Maltby, Cleary, Draper, Fischer, Horcroft, etc., are always willing to help. There are always 90s and early 2000s players around and willing to help. You see the same thing with the Lions, Tigers and even Pistons.
- bluelineenforcer

They actually bring Kronwall over quite a bit as well. Holmstrom has been to a few camps, but not nearly as much. It’s tough to teach what he did because of the price he paid to do it. I think Lidstrom broke his ankle once during a practice session. Guy was fearless!

Below is my perspective on Soderblom and the state of the rebuild. I am realist as is my perspective. My thoughts may not suitable for idealists and die-hards.

Soderblom is one of few players management has successfuly developed beyond initial expectations. However, confusing his size and a handful af exceptional games with talent and ability is foolish. He does not belong on a top-line.

Considering Soderblom as a top-line player exemplifies the build's failure. The team has developed no elite talent, at-best developing 2 average front line players, failed to trade from a "deep" but "uninspiring" prospect pool, signed inappropraite players, overpayed these players, and choose to avoid taking necessary steps to aquire top-3 picks. Additionally, the Wings are politely ridiculed by opposing management, not so politely by opposing players, and is universally included on "10+ team" no-trade lists.

Only the most die-hard fans cannot identify the fiasco. There are now 5 teams within the Atlantic division measurably better than the Wings. Each of these teams have enough talent to remain competitive for many years. 3 are cup-contendors and the other 2 are continuing to improve. It is extremely unlikely the current management group is willing to adapt the build, and the failures noted above will continue. This combined with the success of others indicates the playoff drough will extend for many years. Playing Soderblom on the first line will only increase his future contract demands, but will do nothing to end the prolonged drought.

Instead of addressing these issues, management and ownership seem content to dream Seider's play will suddenly improve, believe marginal prospects like ASP will become future stars, and maintain a premise the team is a single addition away from prolonged success. This is not how successful NHL organizations opperate. Its time for ownership act.
- Jackie Daytona

I agree Soderblom on the top line is an opportunity due to lack of contenders for the spot. I disagree on Seider. I think him having to take the reins, number of D zone starts and minutes speaks at large length about how bad the defense corps really has been. He hasn’t had a mentor, but with 600+ blocks and 600+ hits has been an iron man. That’s why I would spend on a solid left side legit top blue liner. Raymond, Kasper both pleasant surprises and I think Lombardi (healthy) will be as well. The free agency for vets has been a debacle. I do think Watson’s done a really solid job this year in pushing the prospects in GR to find another gear. Tampa, Florida and Toronto look to be set for some time. The team has to step up to Ottawa and Montreal as I believe Boston is finally starting to fall off. All just personal opinion and very grateful you took time to share that insight. Thank you so much for that drop in

Having watched Soderblom develop in GR from the very beginning... I think he can still get better. Certainly has a higher ceiling than Rasmussen from what I've seen so far. Would be great to see him get more deflections and tip-ins in front of the other teams goal. His stick work is underrated.
- Vladdie_Kon1

He’s quicker, better edges and can move. He was “knocking on the door” for so many games with wrap around attempts and clever stuff in tight. He had some night goals in some IIHF games a few years back (the between the legs flip). Feels crazy to see a guy that big be able to pull that off.

They already do everything you suggested. Kronwall works with the D in the SHL (he talks to ASP weekly), Lidstrom has worked with D here and in Sweden. Kocur is absolutely helping players who want to get better at fighting. McCarty is at the BELFOR often. Guys like Maltby, Cleary, Draper, Fischer, Horcroft, etc., are always willing to help. There are always 90s and early 2000s players around and willing to help. You see the same thing with the Lions, Tigers and even Pistons.
- bluelineenforcer

It doesn't look like there have been much done. This team stinks on faceoffs, they can't kill penalties, they are one of the least physical teams in the NHL, majority of the roster can't fight at all, only a few players have a good shot.

A lot of that can be on the garbage signings and roster decisions Yzerman has made but it still doesn't explain all that lacks from this team.

Below is my perspective on Soderblom and the state of the rebuild. I am realist as is my perspective. My thoughts may not suitable for idealists and die-hards.

Soderblom is one of few players management has successfuly developed beyond initial expectations. However, confusing his size and a handful af exceptional games with talent and ability is foolish. He does not belong on a top-line.

Considering Soderblom as a top-line player exemplifies the build's failure. The team has developed no elite talent, at-best developing 2 average front line players, failed to trade from a "deep" but "uninspiring" prospect pool, signed inappropraite players, overpayed these players, and choose to avoid taking necessary steps to aquire top-3 picks. Additionally, the Wings are politely ridiculed by opposing management, not so politely by opposing players, and is universally included on "10+ team" no-trade lists.

Only the most die-hard fans cannot identify the fiasco. There are now 5 teams within the Atlantic division measurably better than the Wings. Each of these teams have enough talent to remain competitive for many years. 3 are cup-contendors and the other 2 are continuing to improve. It is extremely unlikely the current management group is willing to adapt the build, and the failures noted above will continue. This combined with the success of others indicates the playoff drough will extend for many years. Playing Soderblom on the first line will only increase his future contract demands, but will do nothing to end the prolonged drought.

Instead of addressing these issues, management and ownership seem content to dream Seider's play will suddenly improve, believe marginal prospects like ASP will become future stars, and maintain a premise the team is a single addition away from prolonged success. This is not how successful NHL organizations opperate. Its time for ownership act.


Some of those are not a realist perspective as you say. I've bolded and commented on those in order.


Agree he is not top line. I will argue he is not the only one developed beyond initial expectations. Sieder was considered a reach at time. Mazur, Albert Johanson, and others drafted outside the first round making the NHL is beyond expectations.

Not true. Raymond is like top 5 at his position. Sieder is going to get Norris votes in his career

What steps are these? Continuously tanking? Being buffalo? Trading for one does not happen.

Only if he produces and stays there. I think he is only there out of necessity. Had to move kasper to 2c who would you put up there on the current roster?

Curious here, what moves would you have specifically made that management has not?

They actually bring Kronwall over quite a bit as well. Holmstrom has been to a few camps, but not nearly as much. It’s tough to teach what he did because of the price he paid to do it. I think Lidstrom broke his ankle once during a practice session. Guy was fearless!
- Jeremy Laura

Holmstrom's job would be a heck of a lot easier these days. Players aren't allowed to constantly slash, crosscheck and punch in the back of the head players in front of the net like they use to when he played.