Elmer Söderblom Bio
Elmer Söderblom, born 5 July 2001 in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a Swedish professional ice hockey left winger currently competing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 ft 8 in tall and weighing around 250 lb, he is one of the tallest forwards in the league and is widely recognized for his size, reach, and finishing touch around the net. Söderblom was selected 159th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has since developed into a dependable power forward. As of the 2025–26 season, he plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins after being traded from Detroit.
Early Life and Background
Elmer Söderblom was born and raised in Gothenburg, Sweden, a city with a strong ice hockey tradition that has produced many Swedish Hockey League (SHL) stars. Growing up in this environment gave him early and consistent exposure to the sport, and he began his organized hockey career in local youth programs. His tall, athletic frame made him a natural fit for the forward position from a young age, and he quickly drew attention for his combination of size and skill.
Hockey runs in the Söderblom family. His older brother, Arvid Söderblom, is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. Watching and training with Arvid helped shape Elmer’s competitive edge and work ethic during his formative years. The brothers remain close, and both have represented Sweden at various levels of international competition.
Path to Professional Hockey
Söderblom joined the Frölunda HC organization, one of the most respected development programs in Sweden. Playing for Frölunda’s junior teams, he refined his skating for a player of his height and built the two-way game that has become his trademark. During the 2019–20 season, he led Frölunda HC’s under-20 squad in scoring with 55 points and 29 goals in 36 games, a performance that signaled his readiness for senior hockey.
That same season, Söderblom made his professional debut with Frölunda HC of the SHL, appearing in 10 games while on loan from the junior program. He returned to the SHL roster the following year, recording three goals and two assists in 28 games during the 2020–21 season. In December 2020 and January 2021, he also represented Sweden at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, gaining valuable experience against top international competition. On 9 June 2022, after his SHL development, the Detroit Red Wings signed him to a three-year entry-level contract, officially beginning his North American professional career.
Elmer Söderblom Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Söderblom’s early professional years were spent primarily with Frölunda HC in the SHL, where he learned to play a physical, structured style against grown men. He balanced time between the senior team and the junior program, gradually increasing his offensive responsibilities. His production in the SHL was modest but showed steady growth, which prepared him for the faster and more physical North American game.
During his final SHL season in 2021–22, Söderblom continued to develop his shot and net-front presence. His performance was enough to convince the Detroit Red Wings that he was ready for the NHL, leading to his entry-level deal in June 2022. This contract marked the official transition from European prospect to NHL-signed player.
Detroit Red Wings Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Söderblom made an immediate impression in his NHL debut. On 14 October 2022, in his first game with the Detroit Red Wings, he scored the game-winning goal in the third period against goaltender Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens. The goal not only marked his first career NHL point but also earned him the first star of the game, an unforgettable start to his North American career.
After his rookie season, Söderblom spent the 2023–24 campaign with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played a full 61-game schedule. He set career highs across the board that year with 13 goals, 16 assists, 29 points, three power-play goals, three game-winning goals, and 114 shots, while also adding a goal and an assist in seven Calder Cup playoff games. His consistent two-way play earned him a recall to the Red Wings on 21 January 2025, capping a strong development season in the minors.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2024–2026)
Back in the NHL during the 2024–25 season, Söderblom appeared in 26 games for the Red Wings, recording four goals and seven assists while providing energy on the forecheck and around the net. Before his recall, he had posted five goals and 12 assists in 38 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. On 2 July 2025, the Red Wings signed him to a two-year contract extension, signaling their belief in his long-term role with the organization.
Unable to secure a full-time roster spot during the early part of the 2025–26 season, Söderblom was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on 6 March 2026 in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. He made an instant impact with his new club, scoring his first goal as a Penguin ten days later in a 7–2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. That same game became his first multi-point contest with Pittsburgh, as he added an assist later in the match.
Playing Style and Strengths
Söderblom plays a power-forward style built around his 6 ft 8 in frame, long reach, and strong lower body. He is most effective along the boards, in front of the net, and on the power play, where his shot and positioning create mismatches for defenders. His coaches have praised his willingness to play a responsible defensive game and his continued improvement in skating for a player of his size, making him a reliable bottom-six forward with offensive upside.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Söderblom’s NHL debut goal on 14 October 2022 stands out as a defining moment, while his 2023–24 AHL season with the Grand Rapids Griffins remains his most productive single campaign statistically. His trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March 2026 and quick first goal with his new team marked another memorable chapter in his young career.
Elmer Söderblom Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
The Söderblom family has produced two NHL players. Elmer’s older brother, Arvid Söderblom, is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, making the brothers one of the more notable sibling pairs in the league. Their shared hockey upbringing in Gothenburg played a major role in shaping both of their professional careers.
Personal Life
Details about Söderblom’s personal life outside of hockey remain largely private, and he tends to keep his focus on the ice. He continues to be based in North America following his move from Sweden, where he has embraced the demands of professional hockey at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 portion of the 2024–25 NHL season, Söderblom split time between the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Detroit Red Wings. He produced five goals and 12 assists in 38 AHL games before earning a recall to Detroit on 21 January 2025. With the Red Wings, he contributed four goals and seven assists in 26 NHL games, offering a steady physical presence and chipping in important secondary scoring.
On 2 July 2025, Detroit rewarded his development with a two-year contract extension, a clear sign that the organization viewed him as part of its long-term plan. The decision also reflected the trust placed in his work ethic and the strides he had made in his all-around game.
Heading into the rest of the 2025 calendar and the 2025–26 NHL season, Söderblom’s outlook was focused on earning a permanent role with the Red Wings and continuing to grow as a power forward. Although he was later traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March 2026, his 2025 performances solidified his reputation as a young, sizable forward with real offensive upside and a strong two-way identity.