'I'm going to keep getting to know my game'

DETROIT -- To describe the past six months for Elmer Soderblom as busy is an understatement.

After signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings on June 9, Soderblom packed his personal belongings and relocated from Sweden to North America. Then this past September, he participated in the 2022 NHL Prospect Tournament and Red Wings' Training Camp in Traverse City, Mich., before navigating an eight-game preseason schedule in October.
Soderblom's play during training camp and the preseason earned him a spot on the club's 23-man roster to open the 2022-23 season
. And as Soderblom continues his inaugural NHL campaign, he's just trying to take it all in.
"We have games and practices every day, so at times it really flies by," Soderblom said on Nov. 9. "I'm enjoying it."
Soderblom enjoyed a breakout 2021-22 season with Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League, recording 33 points (21-12-33) in 52 games and was named the European Hockey Club's Young Player of the Year.
The young forward's strong play carried over into his first career NHL game. In front of a sold-out Little Caesars Arena on Opening Night, Soderblom's first NHL goal broke a scoreless tie in the third period, helping the Red Wings shut out the Montreal Canadiens, 3-0.

"It was hard to describe," Soderblom said on Oct. 14. "But it was an unbelievable feeling and really fun to play. The crowd and the fans were amazing."
Susanne and Martin Soderblom were in attendance for their 21-year-old son's memorable NHL debut, describing it as "a boy's dream come true."
"It's so fun to be here," Susanne Soderblom said in an interview with Bally Sports Detroit on Oct. 14. "We are super proud. I love what he's doing and he loves what he's doing. I have no words."

Getting to compete at the sport's highest level is special for Soderblom, but he said being thousands of miles away from his family has been an adjustment.
"I try to keep in contact with them," Soderblom said. "We call each other and FaceTime."
Fortunately, Soderblom said his Red Wings teammates are making his transition to North America easier.
"It's just a good group with a lot of good guys," Soderblom said. "I also feel like there are a lot of guys whose game I can take after."
Forward Joe Veleno said he's forming a close friendship with Soderblom because they started this season living in a downtown Detroit hotel together.
"I know how he feels, since this is definitely a bit of an adjustment for him," Veleno said on Nov. 4. "I just try to help him out with whatever he needs as he goes through things and making sure, for the both of us, that we have our heads straight while taking care of ourselves."
For Soderblom, spending time with Veleno allows him to explore more of the city he now calls home.
"So far, I like Detroit," Soderblom said. "It's a nice city. I've been around all parts of the city and it's a nice place to be."

But navigating a major Midwest metropolitan area is just one of several eye-opening adjustments Soderblom is working through.
When asked what the biggest difference between the SHL and NHL is, Soderblom cited the pace of play.
"Everything is faster here," Soderblom said. "There's also less time and space on the ice."
Despite his imposing 6-foot-8, 246-pound frame, Soderblom knows it takes more than just physicality to be successful in the NHL.
"Even though I am big, I have to be able to move," Soderblom said. "I'm working on it."
According to Soderblom, improving his "play without the puck and decision-making" will result in consistency.
"I want to be reliable out there," said Soderblom, who has two goals in 13 games this season. "I'm going to keep getting to know my game and play at the same level every single night."
Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said the coaching staff recognized that heading into the regular season, they would need to be patient with Soderblom.
"We knew, with him starting with us, that you're gonna go through some of those moments," Lalonde said on Nov. 4. "You just through them. To his credit, a lot of those games I've talked about, he's bounced back pretty well. I still think there's gonna be huge ups and downs in his game, but there's so much to be excited about."

For Soderblom, who was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 15 retroactive to Nov. 8, staying focused on his development is important. And as long as remains committed, Soderblom is confident he can withstand the NHL learning curve, no matter how steep it might be.
"There's a game almost every other day," Soderblom said. "So, if you are not happy with your game you always have a chance to be better in the next one because the time frame between games is so short. It's fun to play. I like to play games."