Detroit Red Wings forward Elmer Soderblom was assigned to Grand Rapids on Sunday morning. Elmer has played in 21 of the 32 regular season games so far. Tallying 8 points (5G,3A) in those 21 games, seeing around 12 minutes of ice time each night. Soderblom had a short stint in Grand Rapids earlier this season after missing time some time with a lower-body injury, he sustained from a deflection.

What Could this mean for the Red Wings’ Lineup?

The last couple weeks have been hectic for the Detroit Red Wings. As a whole, seeing the lineup piece itself back together going into the new year has been refreshing. However, there has been some tough decisions that needed to be made. Sending down Elmer was definitely one of those tough decisions.

Some may be thinking why not keep a young blossoming player like Soderblom up? meanwhile part ways with a player like Pius Suter, Adam Erne maybe even an Oskar Sundqvist? While I love the idea of Elmer getting reps and continuing to grow as a player. I believe this is a move to get one final look at players like Filip Zadina, Tyler Bertuzzi amongst others before the Trade Deadline.

Bertuzzi’ being an expiring contract, missing time has certainly left some question marks surrounding his situation wondering what the future may hold for him. In contrast to where Zadina being young, having the skill set and potential meanwhile on a very friendly contract makes him very feasible target for contending teams.

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