Unsigned Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson would prefer a trade to a prolonged contract standoff, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday, Oct. 3. The report is unconfirmed, and the Red Wings have not commented publicly or announced any change in Edvinsson’s status.
Friedman said frustration with the negotiations led the 23-year-old to signal that preference, and that Detroit has told other teams its top priority is still to re-sign him.
Where things stand
Edvinsson, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, became a restricted free agent on July 1 when his entry-level contract expired. He attended training camp without a new deal, then returned to Sweden after talks stalled and has been skating with Frölunda HC of the SHL. As a restricted free agent, he can only be moved on Detroit’s terms, so the Red Wings would control any trade destination.
Last season Edvinsson had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games, often playing on the top pair with Moritz Seider.
Insiders see a path back
Not everyone sees the relationship as broken. TSN’s Darren Dreger said Edvinsson is still “very much open to the idea of staying in Detroit” if the deal works for him, and TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the first contract offer didn’t arrive until about Sept. 17. Friedman, on the 32 Thoughts podcast, described a player who had grown angry and asked for some space, but he also believes the situation can be repaired.
The standoff comes during a front-office transition. Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager in July, and Shawn Horcoff was named interim GM in September. Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade in the offseason, returned to the lineup Tuesday against Ottawa.
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