DETROIT — Simon Edvinsson was on the ice when the Detroit Red Wings opened training camp Thursday, even with his next contract still unsigned. The restricted free-agent defenseman joined the first practice but sat out the full-contact scrimmage and chose not to address reporters until the business side is complete.
Edvinsson reports while contract talks continue
- Edvinsson arrived for camp and took part in the opening practice with his Detroit teammates.
- The 23-year-old blue-liner did not play in the contact scrimmage as negotiations on a new deal remain unresolved.
- He declined media interviews, indicating he would speak once the contract is finalized.
- Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff, appointed Tuesday, identified Edvinsson’s new contract as an immediate priority the following day.
Coach Todd McLellan credited Edvinsson for reporting despite the unsettled situation. McLellan said there are “business things” still to be handled, but praised the defenseman for choosing to be present rather than remaining home in Sweden.
“He recognized the situation we were all in,” McLellan said. “He showed up, and he was ready to perform.”
McLellan said both sides are working toward an agreement and stressed Edvinsson’s importance to the club.
“We can’t wait to have this guy back on the ice, because he means a lot to our group,” McLellan said.
A key piece on Detroit’s blue line
Detroit selected Edvinsson sixth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, and he has quickly become one of the organization’s core defensemen. In 72 games last season, his second complete NHL campaign, he produced nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points.
Edvinsson logged an average of 22:21 per game, trailing only Moritz Seider among Red Wings defensemen. Seider led Detroit’s blue line at 25:40 per game.
Horcoff said the club intends to move quickly on a deal for Edvinsson, calling him “a fantastic player and a bright spot in our organization.”
For now, the defenseman is in the building and skating with the group. The remaining question at camp is when the paperwork catches up to the work already being done on the Detroit ice.
