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Soderblom grabs team lead in goals for Frolunda |
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In tracking Frolunda, I’ll admit my main focus is keeping track of Simon Edvinsson. The 6th overall pick this past summer, Edvinsson continues to grow (literally and figuratively) and is taking on some fairly hefty minutes (averaging over 20 minutes) at just 18. Detroit has 2 other prospects on the team. Elmer Soderblom and Theodor Niederbach. Both played on the international stage but really haven’t had a lot of “heat” since. Soderblom seems to be taking a step forward.
In 13 games, the big (really big) forward now has 6 goals and 3 assists. He’s leading the team in goals, is second on the team in shots on goal, and averages just 11:28. Nearly 7 minutes less than the next highest goal scorer. 3 of Soderblom’s goals are game winners, and 3 on the power play. His previous career high was just 3 goals in 28 games. Obviously he’s already eclipsed that mark.
There is no perfect formula for how scoring is going to translate from the SHL to the AHL to the NHL. With Soderblom’s performance, his minutes are creeping upward. At just 20 years of age, there’s still plenty of time for him to develop. I have to think that if he can get his average upward of 16 minutes and continues to pick up goals, he’ll get a look at North America next season.
I would still caution that this is a depth player, in all likelihood. But, at 6’8”, he can be an effective net front presence and can certainly take a bit of abuse. I wanted to send a little sunshine Elmer’s way, I’ve been fairly critical of the big man. He’s finding a way to make an impact with limited minutes.
We’ll see how his season progresses, but it’s a nice step forward and could lead to a Griffin’s jersey in the future.
Read my previous posts:
Wings shutout by Flames
Wings vs Flames pregame
Edvinsson logs 25:18
Detroit played their best game of the season against CBJ.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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