We're at the point of the NHL offseason where media pundits have started speculating. With little to no news trickling in, writers and fans alike begin theorizing about loose ends that have yet to be tied up. In the case of the Detroit Red Wings, apart from the abundantly obvious, some media pundits have begun to wonder about Simon Edvinsson.
In a recent post by The Hockey News, writer Jonathan Bailey believes the Philadelphia Flyers could take a swing at Edvinsson via either trade or offer sheet.
"The longer the situation with Edvinsson, the Red Wings, and the general manager search drags out, the bigger a distraction it will become with training camp looming," says Bailey. "The Flyers have loads of draft capital, including four first-round picks in the next three drafts (thanks, Toronto), and young players to deal to Detroit in an Edvinsson trade with the Red Wings hurtling closer and closer to having to blow up the operation."
This is, of course, extremely off base.
Simon Edvinsson wants to play in Detroit
First and foremost, Simon Edvinsson's camp has already stated that they plan on signing an extension in Detroit. There have been no indications, rumors or otherwise, that Edvinsson plans on doing anything to the contrary. Additionally, according to Detroit Hockey Now, Edvinsson wants to sign a long-term deal with the Red Wings.
No matter how much fans of teams like the Flyers might want Edvinsson, it just doesn't seem likely that he'll pursue an offer sheet or other options.
Last season, Edvinsson hit a career high in goals, scoring nine on the season. In 72 games with the Red Wings, the former first round pick scored 25 points, nearly matching his career high 31 last season. He formed one half of one of the top defensive pairings in the NHL alongside Moritz Seider, putting up impressive shutdown numbers along the way. While Edvinsson hasn't shown up too much on the score sheet just yet, he'll have a much higher offensive output as his career continues to progress.
Next GM needs to act quickly
With that said, the sooner this new general manager enters the fold, the sooner they can sign Edvinsson to a long term deal. As of right now, four names have come up multiple times with NHL insiders: Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, San Jose Sharks assistant GM Jeff Kealty, Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White.
As of right now, the Red Wings haven't decided whether or not to break up the GM and President of Hockey Operations positions. If they do, they could just as easily hire one (or both) of the candidates mentioned earlier. It seems better in the long run to have the roles separate. That way, the burden of both positions won't overwhelm whoever assumes the helm in Hockeytown.
No matter who they select, the Red Wings need to sort out this Edvinsson business as soon as they can.
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