A final plea for the Detroit Red Wings to sign Simon Edvinsson

After two months, the Detroit Red Wings and Simon Edvinsson are reportedly no closer to signing a new deal. 

A false hope was raised when multiple outlets reported that Shawn Horcoff met in-person with Edvinsson and his agent to see if they could mend faces. This in-person meeting was over a week ago. Maybe Edvinsson is still just contemplating his next move or his agency is requesting an excessive contract on Edvinsson’s behalf.

Red Wings fans and media are left in the dark. Like a candlelit dinner without any matches just waiting for it to rain, as Shel Silverstein says. 

At this point, it's worthwhile for fans to give Edvinsson and management just a bit more freedom to work through the turbulent waters. We’ve already touched on why it’s in both parties’ best interests to come to an agreement. While we can all hope that happens, maybe there’s just a bit more that Detroit can do to appease Edvinsson. 

Red Wings need to let bygones be bygones

If both parties are truly just a million or two apart on their offers, it’s a bit of a shame that neither one has relented. While the Red Wings have played well to start the season, the revolving door of defensemen reflects the hole that only one exceptionally tall Swede with a chiseled jawline can fill. Whether it’s directly next to Moritz Seider or the defensive pair that follows Seider, Detroit would look much more competitive with Edvinsson in the mix. 

Regardless of what his perceived current and expected future value will be to the Wings, it’s clear that they will not find a player of Edvinsson’s caliber on defense in a trade market. As for drafting one, Edvinsson was on an expedited path to the NHL and he still has only one full season under his belt in the NHL. If Detroit wants to put the hockey back in Hockeytown sooner than later, they can’t wait for a new prospect to develop.

Considering all the teams (at least 10, so far) who are calling to check on Edvinsson’s asking price, players of Edvinsson’s caliber aren’t typically available to acquire through trade. 

It would be foolish if the Red Wings didn’t try absolutely everything to bring Edvinsson back to Detroit. 

Edvinsson has history of responding when feeling slighted

In the past, Edvinsson has given provided a bit of history when he feels slighted.

Once upon a time, in a land far far away (Sweden), Edvinsson and his young teammates had a challenging practice. It was a practice that Edvinsson felt like was too much. 

To get back at the coach (who happened to be his dad) that had the kids skating too much, Edvinsson claimed revenge in the form of filling his coach’s shoes with water. 

Likely more of a cheeky move than vindictive, Edvinsson has a history of getting back if he felt slighted wronged. Maybe sitting out just a bit longer and allowing the Wings to sweat is one of the ways he’s doing it. Maybe he’s needing some other type of retribution, which would allow him to re-sign with Wings. 

At this point, there shouldn’t be much that Detroit won’t do to earn Edvinsson’s trust back, as they desperately need it. Far more than Edvinsson needs the Wings, though I would still argue that his teammates with Grand Rapids Griffins and Wings fans are great reasons for Edvinsson to stay.

In a Reddit post from two months ago, there is a translation of a linked article from a Swedish media outlet. After finishing up in the Sauna, Edvinsson shed light on his thoughts and feelings about the rocky situation before it hit an all time low. 

Edvinsson emphasized, “ I love Detroit and I love the fans. I love everything [there]…Detroit is absolutely the place that is closest to my heart.”

Red Wings fans still remember his dedication to this inept organization, including the Winged Wheel Podcast night at the Van Andel Arena, where Edvinsson laid a guy out in his first fight. It launched the Flying Toaster jersey from, "what in the world is that thing?" to legendary.

Some other fan-favorite moments:

It’s possible some insulting contract offers and poor communication, along with questionable ownership choices, has altered this sentiment. Especially with this being one of Horcoff's first assignments as a brand new general manager thrust into a role at the last minute, it's been a disappointing, inconsistent few months.

Things Edvinsson can be certain of, Red Wings fans haven’t changed their belief and commitment to him as a player. The city that Edvinsson loves is still Detroit. An underrated and misunderstood place that will happily welcome him back with open arms, a coney dog and some Faygo if Edvinsson is so inclined.

If Edvinsson needs to put some water in Christopher Ilitch’s shoes to set things right, then Ilitch needs to start untying them right now. Shoot, we're more than happy to lend a hand.

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