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Simon Edvinsson “Prefers” Trade From Red Wings

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Simon Edvinsson “Prefers” Trade From Red Wings

Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors
By Brennan McClain | Last updated Oct 3, 2026 9:36 PM ET

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Although it’s not a formal trade request, another prominent player for the Detroit Red Wings no longer wants to don the winged wheel. Speaking on Saturday Headlines, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that defenseman Simon Edvinsson now “prefers” a trade from the Red Wings as his contract stalemate drags on into another week.

There may not be a word in the English dictionary to accurately describe how poorly this offseason has gone for Detroit. “Disaster” comes close, but doesn’t quite do it justice. As boos for former captain Dylan Larkin and “sell the team” echoed throughout Little Caesars Arena last night, Edvinsson’s contract situation was on the minds of many Red Wings fans during their opening-night contest against the New York Rangers.

It’s another in a very long line of avoidable mistakes made by the team’s management. In early June, Larkin requested a trade from the Red Wings. A month and a half later, the team removed Steve Yzerman from the General Manager position after allowing him to trade top goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa, select Detroit’s entire 2026 NHL Draft class, trade Amadeus Lombardi, and replace Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron with Viktor Arvidsson and Keegan Kolesar.

Two months later, after an extensive search for a General Manager, including hiring outside assistance, Detroit named Shawn Horcoff as interim General Manager. What once felt like a small victory has now become embarrassing as the team’s problems have worsened under Horcoff’s leadership. Edvinsson now prefers to be traded from the Red Wings to a team that will offer him a long-term deal rather than signing any extension.

And that’s the most frustrating part about it for many in Detroit. Edvinsson showed a clear desire to be with the Red Wings, showing up to training camp without a contract and seeking a long-term deal. Instead, Detroit held firm with a short-term bridge deal, leading to tonight’s report.

If the Red Wings decide to make Edvinsson available, several teams will likely show interest. Detroit selected him with the sixth overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, and he’s become the team’s top defender behind Moritz Seider over the past two years. Since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Edvinsson has scored 16 goals and 56 points in 150 games with a +24 rating, averaging 21:43 of ice time per game. Additionally, he’s maintained solid defensive metrics throughout his career with a 49.3% CorsiFor and 90.2% on-ice SV% at even strength, despite beginning 55.9% of his shifts in the defensive zone.

Unlike Larkin, the Red Wings are under more pressure with Edvinsson due to a looming deadline. If Detroit cannot reach a new contract agreement by December 1st and he is not included in a sign-and-trade by that date, Edvinsson will be unable to play during the 2026-27 season.

While there may be limited reasons for optimism in Detroit, this situation is not unique. A few years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs had a similar contract stalemate with forward William Nylander. Nylander preferred a long-term deal, whereas Toronto preferred a bridge deal. The situation deteriorated to the point that the Maple Leafs began fielding offers for Nylander in early November. However, on December 1st, Nylander agreed to a six-year, $45MM extension with Toronto.

While the situation may not unfold in the same way, it is worth considering. Additionally, this could be gamesmanship from Edvinsson’s representation to help facilitate a new deal. At any rate, the Red Wings have come completely off the rails, if they hadn’t already.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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