Steve Yzerman talks Detroit prospects Berggren, Edvinsson and Söderblom

The integrations of rookies Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond and Alex Nedeljkovic into the Detroit Red Wings lineup has brought an infusion of both youth and eye-catching talent. It appears that even more youthful help is on the way.
Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman discussed the progression of several prospects in his session with the media following this year's trade deadline, including winger Jonatan Berggren, defenseman Simon Edvinsson and winger Elmer Söderblom.

In Grand Rapids, all eyes are on Berggren, who was Detroit's 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old currently boasts the second-most points (40), assists (26) and is tied with Taro Hirose, currently playing with the Wings, for the second-most goals (14) on the Griffins.
"I would say Jonatan Berggren has had a very good year," Yzerman said. "We're pleased with his play. He's gotten better from the start to this point in the season. He's worked extremely hard."
With one month remaining in the regular season, the possibility remains for Berggren to see action in a Red Wings sweater this season. Playing the entire season in Grand Rapids is also a possibility.
"He's an important player for us there (in Grand Rapids)," Yzerman said. "I can't really promise or guarantee that we'll see him here (in Detroit), but it's certainly something to consider."

Berggren is a key player for the Griffins and has established consistency and equity in the lineup.
"What I've liked about him being there is he's got some stability," Yzerman said. "He knows where he's playing tomorrow night, he knows who he's playing with, he knows his role and he's not sitting there, wondering, 'Am I gonna get called up? Am I in the lineup? Am I out of the lineup?' He's playing well and an important player, so I'm happy with him there."
Grand Rapids currently finds itself in a Calder Cup Playoffs spot, which may end up determining Berggren's end-of-season plan.
"I wanna make the playoffs, so I kinda trade that off with maybe seeing him up here," Yzerman said. "But he's certainly improved his play throughout the course of the season and it's definitely something that's on our minds."
Edvinsson is another Swedish prospect who could be a candidate for an NHL audition next season. The blueliner has two goals and 17 assists in 43 games this season for Frölunda in the Swedish Hockey League, where he is teammates with Söderblom. Raymond also played for Frolunda before debuting for the Red Wings on Opening Night this season.
"Simon has done extremely well," Yzerman said. "He's a different player than Moritz Seider, but he's had a real impact for a 19-year-old in a very good league. He's had a tremendous impact in the Swedish league."

The 6-foot-8, 238-pound Söderblom currently leads Frölunda with 21 goals and is third with 33 points this season.
"We couldn't be happier with the development of Elmer," Yzerman said. "He's just continued to get better. When we drafted him, we had him over here and he was just a tremendous athlete with great potential."
The Red Wings' European scouting and player development staff led by Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall has watched Edvinsson and Söderblom play in person several times this season.
"They're developing very well and it's very encouraging," Yzerman said. "Look forward to getting them over here at some point, hopefully sooner than later."