Detroit Red Wings: A Guide to the 2019 NHL Draft
By Cory Mello
Defense – Brynäs IF (SHL), 5’11 179lbs | GP:44 | G:4 | A:3 | P:7
Behind only Bowen Byram, Söderström is an all-around player. At 18-years-old, Söderström played in the SHL, Sweden’s top hockey league. What his stats don’t show is just how good he truly is. Söderström plays exceptionally well in both aspects of the game. Always engaged in the offensive aspect of the game, what Söderström brings is a high complete level while remaining responsible in his own end.
A right-handed shot is something the Wings’ have been trying to get a hold of, one aspect of his game that makes him stand out is his ability to shutdown oppositions best players as a rookie, already playing against men. Söderström can be a game-changer. Perhaps the best part of Söderström’s game is his poise. His ability to create space from the blue-line, especially his quick passes from the point, shows he’s already beyond his years.
Söderström uses his vision on the ice as his best weapon, as he is a good puck-mover often making great passes to set-up teammates. If you were to watch just one video on Söderström, you would notice he will do whatever it takes to help his team win. If the Detroit Red Wings are determined to draft a defenseman no matter if Byram gets taken, Söderström may be a little off the board at 6, but I wouldn’t be overly shocked if they felt confident enough to be interested.
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After all, Wings’ fans have been calling for the increase in talent at the blue line for quite some time now. With the upcoming draft not being deep with blue-chip defensive prospects, and Söderström the 2nd best d-man available, I can see the Detroit Red Wings (history of trading down, Anthony Mantha in 2013) entertaining the thought of trading down to select Söderström while gaining another draft pick.