Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom hit a hole in one while golfing earlier this week

When the Detroit Red Wings host their annual golf outing at training camp this September, it’s safe to guess that Elmer Soderblom might be among the top performers.

Soderblom, the Red Wings’ sixth round pick in 2019, hit a hole in one July 25 while hitting the links this offseason. Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, celebrated the accomplishment on social media.

Soderblom might be a rather good golfer, but his sights will be set this offseason on earning his spot on the Red Wings’ roster. In 2022-23, he earned a roster spot out of training camp, playing 21 games and scoring eight points on a big checking line with Michael Rasmussen and Oskar Sundqvist. But, last season saw Soderblom play the entire season in Grand Rapids, where he logged 29 points in 61 games mostly in the bottom six.

As he tries to get back to the NHL level, this offseason is a big one for him. He’s on the final year of his entry-level contract, and he faces an uphill climb to make the roster with so many prospects having passed him on the depth chart.

Soderblom will get the chance to impress in training camp and try to earn his spot on the roster. At the very least, he should impress at the annual golf outing.