DETROIT >> The outlook for Elmer Soderblom has changed considerably over one full hockey season.

A year ago, the Red Wings were intrigued by Soderblom’s potential, but it was fair to wonder if the 6-foot-8, 246-pound forward was ever going to fully realize and utilize the unique hockey gifts he had. There simply haven’t been that many big men who have a certain blend of skills Soderblom possesses.

Those hands, that touch with the puck, are usually found with smaller, swifter players.

But Soderblom is different. And one year later, as the Wings head into the offseason, he suddenly is very much in their plans going forward after an eye-opening close to the season.

Recalled Jan. 21 from Grand Rapids, Soderblom had four goals and seven assists in 26 games in the NHL, but the way he seamlessly joined the Wings lineup and grew his role under coach Todd McLellan was impressive. The Wings may very well be rewarded for their patience with Soderblom, a former 2019 sixth-round draft pick (159th overall).

“It feels like the confidence got better and better during my time here,” Soderblom said during the Wings’ season-ending media conferences. “I’ve been working really hard over the last couple years, so eventually it’s going to click. I’m happy that the season turned out good for me and looking forward to next season to prove and show it even more.”

Soderblom had five goals and eight points in 21 games with the Wings in 2022-23, but the team sent him back to Grand Rapids as his playing time decreased and he battled injuries. Soderblom had 13 goals in 61 games for the Griffins in 2023-24 but was never promoted to the Wings. Draft picks like Jonatan Berggren, Marco Kasper, Carter Mazur and Nate Danielson all were getting more attention than Soderblom, who emerged in his last several weeks with the Griffins with an NHL-caliber overall game.

But the time in Grand Rapids proved beneficial for Soderblom, whose development came full circle. Soderblom’s skating was always a question mark, but it was better. There was a need for more physicality, and he did play with more of an edge by finishing checks and generally being harder to play against. There was also more consistency in his overall play.

McLellan was somewhat familiar with Soderblom’s ability, but he admittedly didn’t know a ton about the big winger. But as the season progressed, McLellan was impressed.

“There’s a lot of tools in that man’s toolbox and he’s starting to access all of them,” McLellan said. “The common thought of a player like that (big, imposing wing) is a little bit clumsy, awkward and just a bullier bringing pure physicality; the puck is foreign to him.

“That’s not the case with Elmer. He has soft hands. He’s got a pretty good offensive mind and he is able to keep plays alive with his reach. He anticipates where plays are going. It’s not all about body contact; it’s about using your stick as well.

“He has quite a nice skill set for a guy that’s 6-8.”

Late in the season, Soderblom was bumped onto the top line playing with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, and he complemented those two scorers with his size and ability to get them space on the ice. Soderblom’s reach and aptitude made him a key figure on any line.

Going through the Wings’ late-season push that ended in a playoff miss, Soderblom learned how important being steady and dependable on a nightly basis is. He feels he improved in that area but can get better.

“You have to find a way to play for 82 games,” Soderblom said. “You have to find a way to be consistent. A lot of the veteran guys know how to do that. They bring something to the table every night, so just finding a way to be consistent is going to be huge for me. That’s a step in the right direction.

“Simplifying my game a little bit more and finding the consistency level, I improved those. Also, my physicality, I improved that, but at the same time, I can get even better at it. That’s why I’m looking forward to next year, to keep improving and keep doing more stuff like that.”