- Elliotte Friedman says the Hurricanes are eyeing an offer sheet for Red Wings RFA Simon Edvinsson
- Carolina may need a defenseman if it moves Alexander Nikishin
- Read below for the compensation Detroit would get and why the Wings can match
Carolina isn’t done making noise this offseason, and the next target might play for Detroit.
Elliotte Friedman connected Red Wings restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson to the Hurricanes on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast. Friedman was talking through Carolina’s need on the blue line when he dropped the name:
“The other player that I heard in conjunction with them was Simon Edvinsson from the Red Wings,” Friedman said. “He’s a really good player, and if they lose Alexander Nikishin, they’re gonna need a defenseman. I think Edvinsson would be excellent for their system.”
Edvinsson has grown into one of Detroit’s best young defensemen. Watch a sample of his work:
The 23-year-old broke out this past season, logging north of 22 minutes a night and locking down a spot on Detroit’s top pair. He remains an RFA, and the two sides haven’t agreed on a new deal.
That gap is what Carolina could try to exploit. AFP Analytics projected Edvinsson at an $8.7 million AAV on a long-term deal, though the figure could climb closer to $10 million after this summer’s spending.
An offer sheet between $10 million and $11 million would cost the Hurricanes two first-round picks, a second and a third. Push it past $11.94 million and the price jumps to four first-rounders.
Carolina has roughly $10 million in cap space and is weighing a move of Nikishin, with the catch that any taker also absorbs Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s $4.25 million contract. Clear that money and the Hurricanes could go higher on Edvinsson.
The Hurricanes wouldn’t be alone in swinging an offer sheet this month. The Flyers already hit Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson with a $90 million sheet, so the tool is back in fashion.
Plays like this are why Edvinsson is worth the risk. Check out his overtime winner for Detroit:
Detroit holds around $18 million in cap space and set money aside for exactly this scenario. If Carolina makes an offer, Steve Yzerman can match it and keep his young defenseman in the Winged Wheel.
