Red Wings Hit With Troubling Simon Edvinsson Contract News

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade while his restricted free agent negotiations remain stalled, according to a league report Saturday.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman said on Saturday Headlines that the club and the player’s representatives are not currently in contact.

“I want to make it very clear before I start on this one: the team and the agents are not talking. There is word today around the league that unsigned Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade from the Red Wings,” Friedman said.

Friedman added that Detroit has informed other teams that reaching an agreement is still the priority.

“The Red Wings have made it clear to other teams that their priority is still to sign him. That is their number-one goal. But apparently his frustration at the entire situation has led him to indicate he would prefer a trade,” Friedman said.

Edvinsson, 23, finished his entry-level deal after being selected sixth overall in the 2021 draft. The 6-foot-6 defenseman posted nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season and averaged 22 minutes, 35 seconds of ice time.

Across the past two seasons he has 16 goals and 56 points in 150 games with a plus-24 rating, ranking second on the team in average ice time behind Moritz Seider for much of that span.

The gap reportedly involves contract length. Edvinsson’s side has sought either a two-year deal or a maximum seven-year term, while the Red Wings have preferred a shorter bridge contract, according to reports citing David Pagnotta and Jeff Marek.

Edvinsson skated in training-camp practices but did not appear in preseason games because he lacked a contract. His locker stall was removed after the roster was reduced, and he later returned to Sweden.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff confirmed the change in status on Sept. 28.

“As of today, Simon is not practicing with the team,” Horcoff said. “The organization will continue conversations with Simon and his representatives.”

Horcoff said Friday he was surprised by the decision to leave Detroit after camp.

“I didn’t expect that,” Horcoff said. “We were excited when he came over. It was encouraging. I would say that’s not that common, so we were excited when he came here. Of course it’s disappointing when he went back, but, he’s a priority for us.”

Swedish reporter Andreas III Johnsson shared video Wednesday of Edvinsson practicing with his former club, Frolunda.

The Red Wings opened the season Friday with a loss to the New York Rangers. Albert Johansson moved up to the top pairing with Seider in Edvinsson’s absence.

Steve Yzerman left as general manager in July. Horcoff assumed the interim role in mid-September and has said talks remain active.

An unsigned restricted free agent must be signed, or included in a sign-and-trade, by Dec. 1 to be eligible to play in the current season.

Edvinsson has posted a 49.3 percent even-strength Corsi For mark in his NHL career despite starting a majority of shifts in the defensive zone.

The blue line already leans on younger options such as Axel Sandin-Pellikka after the opening-night defeat.

Horcoff has kept the specifics of the talks private.

“We’re doing everything we can, working closely with the agents,” Horcoff said. “He’s a big part of the club and we’d like to get him signed, but the details of the negotiation we’ll keep private out of respect for Simon and his group, and we can comment on all that when it’s all said and done.”