There isn't a better vote of confidence for a Detroit Red Wings prospect than a directive from Steve Yzerman.
Elmer Soderblom, the 6-foot-8 forward who was part of Yzerman's first draft class as general manager of the Wings, was earmarked to play his second exhibition game on a line with Pius Suter and Adam Erne, which slotted as the second line for Wednesday's match against the Chicago Blackhawks. That put Soderblom in a spot to play top-six minutes. Head coach Derek Lalonde said it was "an ask from management over the weekend. A reflection of his time in Traverse.