I don't even want to think about life without Simon Edvinsson, but depending on what we learn in the coming hours that horror may become a reality. The Detroit Red Wings were mum on Edvinsson's status Thursday (an off day) following their 6-4 victory over the Flyers on Wednesday, but there will be a morning skate and media scrum on Friday ahead of Detroit's contest with the Montreal Canadiens.
Edvinsson was shaken up midway through the first period on Wednesday after suffering what appeared to be a high hit or elbow to the head along the half boards in the offensive zone. Edvinsson was pinching in from the left point, trying to create some sustained offensive pressure for the Red Wings, when Rasmus Ristolainen struck him. You can be the judge on if you feel it was a dirty hit or not. At first, I thought it was very difficult to elbow a 6-foot-6 player in the head accidentally, but upon realizing the hit came from a 6-foot-4 defender, it's two large players coming together. I do believe Ristolainen raised his elbow and initiated contact to the head and neck area; I wonder how George Parros sees it? Parros is the head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety. No fine has been issued to the Flyers defenseman as of this writing.
Potentially the hit Edvinsson took up high that led to his injury last night. #LGRW
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) December 19, 2024
(forgive the choppy video, fought my modem and lost last night) pic.twitter.com/tA9ejGxXqH
The backend has been an issue for the Detroit Red Wings for years, but just as the pieces seemingly have begun to find their place, head coach Derek Lalonde could potentially be without his newest thoroughbred on defense. Edvinsson, 21, has been a stalwart for the Red Wings in his rookie season, playing alongside the former Calder Trophy winner, Moritz Seider. Seider and Edvinsson regularly draw the most demanding assignments for the Red Wings and the entire league. If Edvinsson is forced to miss time, the Red Wings will elevate Ben Chiarot to the top pairing. It's scary, I know. Also, rookie Albert Johansson, who has spent his share of time in the press box this season, will be pressed into duty more regularly. At the very least, we'd be able to see what the Red Wings have in the youngster who has played a lot of sheltered minutes this season. The coaching staff is clearly trying to slowly bring the kid along, which may benefit him in the end.
Edvinsson has recorded three goals and 13 points over 30 games this season while maintaining a team-leading plus-5 rating; he's also third on the Red Wings with 52 blocks behind Ben Chiarot (66) and Moritz Seider (66).
Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine again set to anchor Team USA
Augustine, 19, will anchor Team USA for the final time at the World Junior level of competition, that is, during the upcoming 2025 tournament. Augustine also joined some elite company, becoming the only American-born netminder to see time in three straight World Junior tournaments. The others are Jack Campbell, who is currently playing in the Red Wings organization with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and Alan Perry.
The Michigan State sophomore standout is having a fantastic season for the Spartans, posting an 11-2-1 on the season backed by a gaudy 0.930 save percentage to go with a 1.98 goals against average.
"I just feel old now," Augustine said with a grin. "I kind of felt young at the start, like I was a little above my level, but now I just feel comfortable, feel like I'm one of the old guys on the team. "I always say I'm a competitive, athletic goalie," Augustine said. "I just kind of use my skating to kind of put myself in position to make saves. That pretty much describes my game."
Also earning a spot on Team USA is Max Plante. The Detroit Red Wings drafted Plante, 18, with the No. 47 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Level Draft. Plante, a playmaking winger, has recorded two goals and six points over five games this season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth.