McLellan Willing to Give Youth a Chance; Soderblom Gets Shot

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellans approach on playing younger players is evident in the words he chooses to describe his plans for them.

He seems genuinely excited to see what Elmer Soderblom can do tonight against Philadelphia.

Were just going to turn him loose and let him play, McLellan said.

Not inundate him with information, not overload him with some of the things weve changed here.

Hell get a brief update on some of our language but I hope he just puts the equipment on and plays.

Soderblom, 23, is playing his first NHL game since 2022-23 when he played 21 games (scoring five goals) for Detroit.

If he makes mistakes, thats fine, McLellan said.

Well help him with them.

But when he leaves tonight I want him to leave happy and excited about playing again.

MceLellan seems more comfortable playing younger players than Derek Lalonde did.

Lalonde often complimented younger players, but the next sentence was usually about their youthful mistakes.

Kasper on Red Wings Top Line If Jonatan Berggren and Albert Johansson are indication of McLellans approach, he gives younger players a slighty longer leash.

McLellan has certainly showed more trust in Bergren, and Johansson played 20 minutes and 27 seconds Sunday at Dallas.

McLellan has been giving Johansson enough time to prove he can play.

Likewise, McLellan trusts Marco Kasper enough to play him with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

The result: Kasper has raised his level of play.

Soderblom has been creating offense in Grand Rapids.

The six-foot-eight Swede boasts three goals, six points in last five games.

Even though Soderblom isnt an overly physical player, his size will be a factor for Detroit.

Six-foot-six Michael Rasmussen will center that line.

This unit could wear down opponents.

Theres big players in the NHL, some dont have the hands the instincts and size just becoms one-dimensional, McLellan said.

I think Elmer has the other tools to go with it.

Once he learns to use it effectively and to leverage it against defensive players while hes looking for people to make plays to or timing and using it and getting to the net, it can be a factor.

Soderblom didnt know what to think when he saw GM Steve Yzermans number pop up on his cell.

When he calls, you are a little nervous and excited, Soderblom said.

Improved Player Soderblom is not the same player who played in Detroit two years ago.

He uses his size more effectively.

His game is more mature.

Playing on a line with Austin Watson in Grand Rapids has helped Soderblom learn how to use his physical presence.

I think Ive improved a lot of areas, Soderblom said, but mostly my skating and my physicality, finishing some more checks and just being tougher to play against.

When McLellan and Yzerman talked about making a change up front, Soderbloms name came up because he has been playing well for two to three weeks.

This is a good reward for a young man whos done real good things down there, McLellan said.

For as much as we talk about belief system, the reward system is also important in an organization and hes earned the right to come up here and were excited to see him play.

McLellan wants to see Soderblom seize this opportunity and make it count for the team and Soderblom.

We needed to shake things up a little bit, McLellan said.

Well see Elmer and what he can do with his size.

This article first appeared on Detroit Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission..

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