In the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Detroit Red Wings selected Swedish defenseman Simon Edvinsson, another larger and more physical defender, to join the future of the organization. Edvinsson stands 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 216 pounds.
He’s likely to join the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24 and be another sturdy and large defender like Moritz Seider. He may have a slightly different skillset than Seider, but there are reasons to compare the two.
Seider took home the Calder Trophy in 2021-22, and the Red Wings should be excited to see if Edvinsson can join the Red Wings and have a similar level of impact. The 20-year-old defenseman has since signed his entry-level contract and has spent the 2022-23 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Some fans seem to think that Edvinsson needs to be called up. The Red Wings fanbase on Twitter and several social media outlets like to make it known that they want to see Edvinsson up with the NHL club. But they need to pump the brakes on this.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson needs to stay in Grand Rapids.
Promoting Edvinsson is not the best move. The Red Wings need to focus on playing meaningful hockey or, at minimum, continuing to compete in games and avoid playing useless games down the stretch.
Hopes for a playoff run were pretty much kicked in the teeth after Ottawa had their way with Detroit before the trade deadline. But the Red Wings have to keep their foot on the gas and continue to compete in each game. Edvinsson coming up and playing just does not seem like the best move right now.
Letting him finish the season in the AHL on a high note and continue his development will only help him going into 2023-24. If he finishes strong with the Griffins, he could make the team out of camp and benefit the Red Wings’ defense core next season.
In 50 games with the Griffins in the 2022-23 season, Edvinsson has five goals with 22 assists for 27 total points. The Swedish defender has a knack for getting involved offensively and uses his size to his advantage.
Like another huge player the Red Wings have in the system, Elmer Söderblom, Edvinsson also moves well and handles the puck well, given his size. The Red Wings have to be happy with what he has shown in the AHL with the Griffins this season.
But, as things stand, they should avoid calling up Edvinsson. Letting him work on things at the AHL level should be the priority as the 2022-23 season comes to a close.