from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Both Soderblom and Veleno are taking the situation in stride.

"It's day to day and I'm just trying to stay positive and keep working," Veleno said. "The real work starts now and you just have to keep working from now on. Things can change. I didn't start on the 23-man last year and I ended up being here for the majority of the season.

"They're still trying to learn some of the guys, and I'm just trying to come here and have a good attitude and stay positive and keep doing what I can do."

Soderblom's parents are coming to Michigan later this week, regardless of whether he's in the lineup or not. Soderblom is excited, at this point, to simply be in a competition to be in the lineup on opening night

"It's really fun and exciting to be in this spot," Soderblom said. "I'm just going to do my best and take it (from there). I feel like I have nothing to lose. I just have to play my game and if it's going well, good. Otherwise, I have to play good minutes in Grand Rapids. I feel like I'm in a good spot, and I'm just going to play my game and go for it."

The coaching staff has told both young players to control only what you can control.

"We've been up front in meetings with them," Lalonde said. "Control things you can control as a player. With that said, big picture, if it doesn't look like we'll get you significant minutes and roles, then we'll possibly explore Grand Rapids."

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Ah, the player interview template.