elmer soderblom

Elmer Soderblom: The Tall, Young Forward Who Just Joined the Pittsburgh Penguins

If you’ve been following recent NHL trade news, you may have come across a name that’s quietly making waves—Elmer Soderblom. At first glance, he might seem like just another player entering the league, but the way he got there tells a story. On March 6, 2025, the Pittsburgh Penguins officially acquired Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. While the buzz around him hasn’t exploded into mainstream sports headlines yet, the move signals something important: the Penguins are betting on youth, size, and upside.

Let’s break down who Elmer Soderblom really is, why this trade matters, and what it could mean for both the Penguins and the broader NHL landscape.

Who Is Elmer Soderblom?

Elmer Soderblom is a 6-foot-7, 19-year-old forward currently playing for Luleå HF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Born in Sweden, Soderblom was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft at No. 53 overall. That makes him one of the taller players in the draft class, standing out not just for his reach but for his skating ability and hockey IQ.

Though still developing physically and tactically, Soderblom has shown flashes of offensive creativity and defensive responsibility. In the 2024–25 SHL season with Luleå HF, he logged significant ice time and contributed with goals and assists, particularly during high-pressure games. His style blends physical presence with surprising agility—something coaches often look for in young defense-men or power forwards, even at his position.

Soderblom isn’t a household name in North American hockey circles yet. But his journey—from being drafted by Detroit to now joining the Penguins—is emblematic of how teams are increasingly valuing international talent and long-term potential over immediate impact.

Why Did the Penguins Make This Move?

The short answer: they saw upside.

While the Penguins remain competitive in the Atlantic Division, their window for another deep playoff run is narrowing. With Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang aging, Pittsburgh is in a transitional phase. They’ve already made several savvy moves to balance veteran leadership with emerging talent—think of acquisitions like Michael Bunting or trading up for younger skaters like Dylan Cozens in previous years.

Acquiring Soderblom doesn’t signal an all-out rebuild. Instead, it reflects a calculated risk: invest in a raw but highly projectable asset who fits the team’s identity as a fast, hard-working, defensively responsible squad.

According to the official NHL press release:

“We’re excited about Elmer’s potential,” said Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas. “He brings size and skill to our organization, and we believe he can develop into a valuable contributor both in the AHL and eventually here in Pittsburgh.”

That’s key: the Penguins aren’t expecting Soderblom to step into the lineup next season. Instead, they plan to give him structured development time—likely starting with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, their AHL affiliate—before evaluating his readiness for the NHL.

This approach aligns with modern NHL roster management trends, where teams prioritize drafting and developing tall, mobile forwards who can play multiple roles as they mature.

A Look at the Trade Details

Here’s what actually changed hands:

• Detroit Red Wings gave up: Elmer Soderblom (20-year-old forward, 6'7", drafted in 2023)
• Pittsburgh Penguins gave up: A conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft

The pick becomes third-round if Soderblom plays in at least 25 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2025–26; otherwise, it drops to a fourth-round selection.

This structure gives Detroit some insurance while allowing Pittsburgh flexibility. It also suggests the Penguins view Soderblom as a low-cost, high-upside acquisition—not a franchise-altering move.

ProHockeyRumors reported that internal scouting notes from Detroit highlighted Soderblom’s “exceptional lateral mobility for his size” and “strong two-way instincts,” which likely influenced the decision to part ways with him after just two seasons in the system.

Context: The Rise of Tall Forwards in the NHL

Soderblom’s acquisition fits a larger pattern in NHL strategy. Over the past decade, the league has seen a surge in tall forwards who leverage their height advantage without sacrificing speed or puck control. Players like Jack Hughes (6’4”), Connor Bedard (6’2”), and even younger talents such as Adam Fantilli (6’2”) have proven that size doesn’t have to be a liability—or an automatic benefit.

In fact, Soderblom joins a growing list of European-developed forwards who are taller than average but possess elite agility. His 6’7” frame allows him to shield the puck effectively, win battles along the boards, and block shots—all while maintaining the quickness needed to transition from defense to offense.

Teams like the Edmonton Oilers (with Leon Draisaitl at 6’4”) and the Carolina Hurricanes (featuring Sebastian Aho at 6’2”) have shown how well-balanced height and skill can create mismatches against smaller, faster opponents.

For the Penguins, adding Soderblom means future depth options at center and possibly right wing. He could also serve as a mentor to younger forwards in the pipeline, much like how Erik Karlsson once helped guide prospects during his early years in Ottawa.

What Does This Mean for the Red Wings?

From Detroit’s perspective, moving Soderblom may reflect a shift in organizational philosophy. After drafting him in 2023, the Red Wings kept him in Europe rather than assigning him to North America immediately—a common practice for developmental players.

However, with limited roster space and a crowded prospect pool at forward, Detroit appears to be clearing room for more established contributors. Trading Soderblom for a late-round pick isn’t a massive haul, but it’s consistent with a team in win-now mode looking to free up cap space or roster spots for proven talent.

It’s worth noting that the Red Wings have traded other young, high-upside players in recent years (e.g., Filip Zadina, Cam York) when they felt those assets didn’t fit their timeline. Soderblom’s departure fits that narrative.

Immediate Impact: Where Will Soderblom Fit In?

As of now, Soderblom won’t see NHL action this season. He’ll report to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he’ll join a team already featuring promising young players like Ryan Ufko, Jagger Joshua, and Lukas Cormier.

Head coach Mike Vellucci has emphasized development over results in recent seasons, so Soderblom will get ample opportunity to adapt to North American hockey pace, physicality, and systems.

His primary role will be as a bottom-six forward with potential top-nine upside. Coaches will focus on refining his faceoff technique (he’s right-handed), improving his net-front positioning, and building confidence in high-pressure situations.

If everything goes according to plan, fans could see him suit up for the Penguins as early as the 2025–26 season—possibly during a playoff push or as a late-season addition.

Long-Term Outlook: Can Soderblom Become a Franchise Piece?

That depends on several factors: his rate of development, injuries, organizational needs, and whether he can overcome the “tall-forward ceiling” that many scouts once questioned.

But there’s reason for optimism. Soderblom isn’t just tall—he’s skilled. He recorded 18 points in 47 SHL games last season, showing scoring touch despite his size. His skating mechanics are smooth, and he reads plays well enough to anticipate rushes before they happen.

Compared to other tall forwards in recent drafts—like David Jiříček (5’11”) or Leo Carlsson (6’3”)—Soderblom stands out because of his combination of reach and finesse.

If he continues progressing, he could become a key piece in Pittsburgh’s future plans. Imagine a line featuring Soderblom alongside a rising star like Brayden Yager or a veteran sniper—creating mismatches every night.

Of course, there are risks. Many tall forwards struggle with conditioning, especially when adjusting to the grind of back-to-back games and playoff intensity. If Soderblom fails to add strength or refine his defensive coverage, he could end up as a fourth-liner or worse.

But given the Penguins’ track record of player development (just ask Jake Guentzel or Tristan Jarry), there’s hope.

Broader Implications for NHL Scouting