Red Wings prospect Theodor Niederbach looking to improve speed, strength

DETROIT -- Theodor Niederbach aspires to be an NHL player as soon as possible.

But before the Detroit Red Wings forward prospect heads to North America, Niederbach wants to prove himself in the Swedish Hockey League.
"I want to get faster and stronger," said Niederbach, who was the Red Wings' 51st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. "I want to be good at the SHL level before I go over here."

Niederbach gained valuable experience for Frolunda HC last season, earning 16 points on nine goals and seven assists in 51 games.
"You play against full-grown men," the 20-year-old said. "It's tough every game. The SHL is a good league, and every team is good, so it has helped me a lot."
Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman said Niederbach has a lot of upside.
"Niederbach is a smart centerman from Sweden. Right-handed shot. Very talented, very skilled," Yzerman said on Oct. 7, 2020. "He missed some hockey with an injury the previous year, so like most of the kids, he's going to take some time to mature and physically evolve. We're excited about his potential."
Niederbach knows success in the NHL is no easy feat, but he's encouraged to see current Red Wings players like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond impress in North America after making the jump from the SHL.
"It's special hockey back in Sweden," Niederbach said. "It's a little different, but Seider and Raymond had to get used to the hockey here. If you can play good there, you have a good chance here."
As Niederbach continues his development, he is focused on being an "offensive center."
"I see myself as a center who tries to play good in both zones," Niederbach said. "Big and trustful in the D-zone, but I can also do something in the O-zone."

Niederbach, who is playing for Rogle BK this season, is eager to build on his success.
"Frolunda is a good club and I've learned a lot from them," Niederbach said. "I felt that I wanted to try something new. I know that Rogle is a good team, and both (William) Wallinder and Seider have been there and had huge development."
And after participating in Detroit's 2022 Development Camp at the BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena, Niederbach is ready to apply what he learned with a new club.
"I have to prove myself and prove that I can play center," he said. "I think the chance to get to play center is good, but I have to prove that I can play center at the SHL level."