- Simon Edvinsson’s contract standoff with the Red Wings just took a turn
- Detroit still wants to sign him, but the two sides aren’t talking
- Read below for the video of Elliotte Friedman’s Saturday Headlines report
Simon Edvinsson wants out of Detroit.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines that the unsigned defenseman now prefers a trade from the Red Wings. It isn’t a formal trade request, but it’s the clearest sign yet that his contract standoff has gone sideways.
Friedman explained what’s behind it during Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast.
“Apparently his frustration at the entire situation has led him to indicate he would prefer a trade,” Friedman said. “We’ll see how this develops over the next few days.”
Watch Friedman’s full Saturday Headlines segment:
He made it clear up front that the team and Edvinsson’s agent aren’t talking right now. The Red Wings have also told other clubs that signing him is still their number one priority.
Here’s how we broke it down on X:
Edvinsson spent all of training camp in Detroit without a contract. Once camp wrapped, he headed back to Sweden to skate with his old SHL club, Frolunda.
Term has been the sticking point the whole way. Detroit prefers a bridge deal, while Edvinsson wants something a lot longer. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has been running those talks since Steve Yzerman stepped down in July.
This makes it two prominent Red Wings looking for the exit. Dylan Larkin asked out after last season and got loudly booed at Friday’s home opener. Friedman said there was nothing new on Larkin’s front.
The 6-foot-6 Swede, taken sixth overall in 2021, had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season. His 22:21 average ice time trailed only Moritz Seider on Detroit’s blue line.
Restricted free agents have until Dec. 1 to sign if they want to play in the NHL this season. That gives the Red Wings two months to either close the gap with Edvinsson or find a team willing to pay up for a 23-year-old top-four defenseman.
