Elmer Söderblom Bio
Elmer Söderblom (born 5 July 2001) is a Swedish professional ice hockey left winger for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he is among the tallest players in professional hockey. Söderblom was selected 159th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in October 2022.
Early Life and Background
Elmer Söderblom was born on 5 July 2001 in Gothenburg, Sweden. He grew up in a hockey family with his older brother Arvid Söderblom, who is also a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Söderblom developed his passion for hockey at a young age in Gothenburg, one of Sweden’s premier hockey cities with a strong tradition of developing talent.
Path to Hockey
Söderblom progressed through Swedish youth hockey ranks before joining Frölunda HC’s junior program. During the 2019–20 season, he led Frölunda HC J20 in scoring with 55 points and 29 goals in 36 games, demonstrating his offensive abilities at the junior level. His strong performance earned him a promotion to the professional team, where he began his transition to senior hockey.
Elmer Söderblom Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Söderblom made his professional debut for Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League during the 2019–20 season, appearing in 10 games while on loan from the junior team. He continued his development with Frölunda over the following seasons. During the 2020–21 season, he recorded three goals and two assists in 28 games for the senior team, showing steady progress in Sweden’s top hockey league.
Detroit Red Wings Breakthrough (2022–Present)
On 9 June 2022, Söderblom signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings. He made his NHL debut on 14 October 2022, scoring his first career NHL goal in the third period against Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens. The goal proved to be the game-winner and earned him the first star of the game, marking an impressive introduction to NHL hockey. Following his debut, Söderblom spent significant time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate. During the 2023–24 season, he set multiple career highs, recording 13 goals and 16 assists in 61 regular season games, along with one goal and one assist in seven playoff games. He was recalled by the Red Wings on 21 January 2025. In the 2024–25 season, Söderblom appeared in 26 games with Detroit, recording four goals and seven assists. On 2 July 2025, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Red Wings, securing his future with the organization. On 6 March 2026, Söderblom was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick after being unable to secure a full-time roster spot with the Red Wings.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 8 inches, Söderblom uses his exceptional height and reach to win puck battles along the boards and in front of the net. His large frame makes him an effective net-front presence on the power play, where he can screen goaltenders and deflect shots. While not known for his speed, Söderblom compensates with strong positioning and hockey sense, allowing him to find open space and create scoring opportunities.
Notable Events and Milestones
Söderblom’s first NHL goal against Montreal in his debut remains one of the highlights of his career. The game-winner demonstrated his ability to perform in pressure situations. His most productive professional season came in 2023–24, when he set career highs across multiple statistical categories while playing for Grand Rapids. Söderblom also represented Sweden at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, gaining valuable international experience.
Elmer Söderblom Career Statistics
Across his professional career, Söderblom has accumulated goals and assists while developing his game at both the SHL and NHL levels. His most productive AHL season came in 2023–24 with Grand Rapids, where he recorded 13 goals and 16 assists in 61 games. He has also contributed at the NHL level, with his first career goal coming in his debut against Montreal and additional scoring throughout his time with Detroit.
Career Milestones
His most notable career moments include scoring his first NHL goal in his debut on 14 October 2022, setting career highs during the 2023–24 AHL season, and representing Sweden at the 2021 World Junior Championships. His ability to score important goals was evident from his debut, when his first NHL goal proved to be the game-winner.
Elmer Söderblom Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Söderblom comes from a family with deep roots in hockey. His older brother, Arvid Söderblom, is a professional goaltender currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Söderblom brothers represent one of the rare instances of two siblings competing in the NHL simultaneously, showcasing the family’s strong hockey genes and dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Beyond hockey, Söderblom maintains a private personal life. His professional hockey career has been the primary focus throughout his development, leading him from Sweden to North America and the NHL. The support of his family, particularly his brother Arvid who shares the professional hockey journey, has been an important part of his career trajectory.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 NHL season saw Söderblom continue his development with the Detroit Red Wings organization. He appeared in 26 games with the Red Wings during the season, contributing four goals and seven assists. Prior to his recall to Detroit, he had recorded five goals and 12 assists in 38 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL, demonstrating his ability to produce at both levels. His consistent performance throughout the season earned recognition from the coaching staff and ultimately led to his two-year contract extension announced in July 2025. The extension signaled the organization’s confidence in his potential as he works toward securing a more permanent role in the Red Wings lineup. The coaching staff values his size and reach, which provide unique advantages in offensive zone situations and along the boards. With his future secured through the extension, Söderblom enters the following season with an opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor for Detroit.