Detroit Red Wings top prospect Simon Edvinsson is looking impressive during his first three preseason games for Detroit. With only three preseason games remaining, the Detroit rookie defenseman has been improving by leaps and bounds. Only a week ago, during the annual Red/White game, fans and some Detroit media voiced their opinions that Edvinsson would be better served to start the year in Grand Rapids (AHL). Now three games into his preseason, Edvinsson is proving that he not only belongs in Detroit but will also likely play important minutes once the regular season gets underway.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 28, 2022
Edvinsson was drafted sixth overall by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Now 19, Edvinsson still has a lot to learn about playing defense on the smaller North American ice surface. If he makes the Red Wings out of camp, Edvinsson will be playing in the NHL one year ahead of when Moritz Seider made his debut. Some people compare Edvinsson to Seider because of his enormous size(6’6″), long reach, terrific passing ability, and smooth skating.
Former NHL defenseman Al Iafrate even mentioned to former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Rick Vaive, that Detroit has another outstanding defense prospect to team up with Seider on the Detroit blueline. He was talking about Edvinsson, and how he can make the smooth transition from playing in the SHL and moving directly to the NHL and dominating at an early age.
What Can We Expect from Edvinsson?
If Simon Edvinsson makes the Red Wings out of camp, expect him to play big minutes in important situations. In his first exhibition game, Edvinsson led the Red Wings in ice time with 22:36 TOI. He played over two minutes on the power play and even killed penalties. He recorded one assist in a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks last Wednesday, and recorded two shots on goal, two hits, one blocked shot, and one takeaway. On Friday night, Edvinsson had another standout night while once again playing over 20 minutes. He served time on the power play and killed penalties when Detroit lost 2-0 to the Washington Capitals. He recorded three shots on goal, had five hits, two blocked shots, and one takeaway. Two nights ago, Edvinsson had another strong game playing 15:53 minutes, with seven hits, one shot, and three blocked shots.
What has impressed the most is Edvinsson’s poise with the puck. In almost 59 minutes played between the three games, he has not recorded a giveaway. Edvinsson has been playing in all situations and appears to be unfazed by the workload he has been facing in the early-going of the preseason. Head coach Derek Lalonde is giving him plenty of ice time to see if he belongs on the opening night roster.
Final Thoughts
So far, Edvinsson has passed every test. It will be interesting to see how he handles the games as the preseason progresses. Next weekend will be a terrific test as the Red Wings conclude the preseason with two games against their archrival from Toronto. The Maple Leafs will likely play a full lineup in one or both of those matches. By early next week, we should find out if Edvinsson has done enough to start his North American professional career in Detroit. So far, so good, and with less than a week left in the preseason, Edvinsson is closing in on a boyhood dream of playing in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings.
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