Simon Edvinsson's first full season with the Detroit Red Wings was successful in my eyes. 31 points and seven goals in 78 games, an 8.1 shooting percentage, 21:07 of average total ice time, 144 blocks, and 86 hits sums up a rookie season for a player poised to take the next level.
Want more? Edvinsson's plus-12 rating was encouraging, regardless of what you think of plus/minus. And there are reasons why it holds: The Red Wings allowed more goals than they scored in 2024-25, Edvinsson's on-ice shooting percentage was a healthy 11.0 at even strength, and his on-ice save percentage landed at 91.4.
He was on the ice for a whopping 70 goals at even strength, further cementing how effective he was with helping the Wings play respectable hockey. His 48.3 Corsi For Percentage doesn't look encouraging until you factor in that his offensive zone starts sat at just 45.8 percent.
Why Simon Edvinsson can take the Detroit Red Wings to another level in 2025-26
Over the last few years, it seemed like Moritz Seider acted as a one-man wrecking crew on the Wings blue line. With Edvinsson showing promise, it's a telltale sign that Seider won't need to be the 'do it all' defenseman this season, even if there are still glaring holes in the defensive rotation.
Still, it gives the Wings two viable defensemen they'll have for the long haul once they lock up Edvinsson either during the season or in the summer of 2026. And we still haven't seen Axel Sandin-Pellikka take center stage yet, meaning the rotation's not done growing.
So, what can you expect from Edvinsson in 2025-26? I'm looking for him to work his way up to 23-24 minutes per game, closer to 24 minutes as the season wears on. This isn't to say Seider will play any less, since his durability's something of legend, but having Edvinsson on the ice more is gonna pay dividends for the Wings in all three zones.
How will the Red Wings fare with Simon Edvinsson making a jump?
Edvinsson alone making a jump will push the Wings up a rung, no doubt. But he's just one piece to the greater puzzle. Should Detroit figure out where Alex DeBrincat will serve them best, and get stellar play out of John Gibson, those three X-factors alone will make the Wings a more competitive team than they were a season ago.
Even if there's turbulence, Edvinsson will make a jump, regardless. But if he didn't at least show signs of enjoying a breakout campaign, I'd be shocked.