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Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade; three teams make sense

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Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade; three teams make sense

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 12:36 PM ET

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Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson reportedly prefers a trade over signing an extension, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. It isn’t a formal trade request, but it’s the clearest sign yet that his contract standoff has gone sideways.

Friedman said the team and the agents aren’t talking, but the Red Wings have made it clear to other teams that signing him is still their priority. Why the two sides aren’t talking has almost everyone confused, especially if the Red Wings want to get this done. It could be a lack of authority for interim GM Shawn Horcoff, although it’s been said that he has the ability to sign the player.

Perhaps this is a choice by the Red Wings since the gap appears to be about term. Detroit prefers a bridge deal, while Edvinsson wants something a lot longer. If Detroit is holding firm, they may have stopped communicating until Edvinsson’s camp returns to the table, but that no longer seems like an option if the defenseman would rather be traded.

There’s a clock on this. If Detroit can’t reach a deal by December 1st and doesn’t complete a sign-and-trade by then, Edvinsson can’t play in 2026-27. Other teams have already been checking in, as Pierre LeBrun reported that clubs have contacted Detroit about him.

Edvinsson, 23, had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season and is a left shot at 6-foot-6. Here are three teams that stand out. Apart from Carolina’s earlier link, none of these has been reported as an actual suitor.

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina is the only team with a reported connection. This summer, Friedman said Edvinsson’s name came up alongside the Hurricanes, and he thought Edvinsson would be excellent for their system. Edvinsson would slot in on the left side with K’Andre Miller and Jaccob Slavin.

The piece going back would be Alexander Nikishin. He’s in a standoff of his own in Carolina, and perhaps both blueliners need a fresh start.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh’s need is obvious. The Penguins would like a young left-side defenseman, and Edvinsson is a 23-year-old with top-four minutes on his resume. There’s also a side story, as Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff’s son, Will, in his prospect pool.

Tyler Miller of SI.com writes, “There would be such a nice reunion of father and son if Shawn Horcoff asked Dubas for his son, Will, in any kind of trade talks. Not to say that Horcoff could eventually give in to Edvinsson’s contract demands, but the youngster being in Sweden for the time being is not good for Horcoff or the organization.”

The Penguins have tried to move Ryan Graves in the past and Samuel Girard only has one more season on his current contract. Edvinsson fits their timeline to replace one of those two players.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers have the assets to make a deal, and they are clearly aggressive based on their offseason attempts to improve the team. They have loads of draft capital, including four first-round picks over the next three drafts. The Hockey News also argued in August that they want to get bigger and tougher on defence, and could pay Edvinsson whatever it takes.

Detroit still holds his rights, so they don’t have to move Edvinsson. But, if they can get back a useful player, the Red Wings could make something out of this distaster they’ve walked themselves into. Interim GM Horcoff has said Edvinsson “remains a priority.” But with the season underway and the December deadline ahead, it doesn’t feel that way.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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