Simon Edvinsson

August 2024 – Edvinsson played the final 16 games of the 2023-24 campaign with Detroit, working with Jeff Petry on the bottom pair. He played a lot over those 16 games, was not that sheltered, and did well, driving play better than his veteran partner and finishing with the third-highest value added (xWAR) amongst Red Wings’ defensemen. Two assists did not move the fantasy needle, but the offensive skills and mindset are there. As he showed at the World Juniors a couple years ago, he can use his skilled hands and huge reach to take over games like a more physical Tage Thompson. Expect his scoring to slowly increase, as it has his whole career to date, until he is a consistent 50+ point performer with big hits and blocks totals. Ben Gehrels

April 2024 – Edvinsson has turned in a nearly identical season to his rookie campaign this year in the AHL so far — 29 points in 52 games — the main difference being a notable uptick in shots (1.5 –> 1.9 per game). For the last 11 games, he has been up with Detroit, regularly exceeding 19 minutes a game on the third pairing with Jeff Petry. He has posted slightly better play-driving results than his veteran partner while being neither sheltered nor sent out against the opponent’s top scorers. Now 21, expect the gigantic Swede to feature more heavily with the pro club next year, firmly establishing himself the year after that (2025-26) when Maata and Petry’s contracts expire. He has the talent and toolkit to be a true game-changer from the back end. Although as an exceptionally sized player we should expect him to take up to twice as long to break out, it would not be surprising to see Edvinsson assert himself at the NHL level earlier than predicted. He has 50+ point potential with tons of peripherals. Ben Gehrels

May 2023 – Edvinsson came to North America and played the majority of the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. He put up 27 points in 52 games as a 19-year-old. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury in May and had surgery, which will delay his return to action until November. Edvinsson was likely going to challenge for a roster spot on the Red Wings before the injury, but now this spot will likely open up to someone like Albert Johansson. When Edvinsson is back, he should be a good candidate to play NHL games and should fill the stat sheet with hits, blocks, and shots. Victor Nuño

June 2022 – Edvinsson played his entire draft plus one season in the SHL posting 19 points in 44 games for powerhouse team Frolunda HC. He had the second-most time on ice of any defender and third on the team overall, a very impressive feat since he played most of the season as an 18-year-old. Even more impressive was his 56% Fenwick and strong play-driving from the back-end. Edvinsson is an excellent skater with good anticipation of the play. These tools by themselves, along with his size will make him an NHL defender. In addition, he is extremely physical and tough to play against just about anywhere on the ice. He sometimes goes for big hits or an offensive transition and can get caught out of position. He should be ready to compete for a spot on the Red Wings in 2022-23 and if he doesn’t make it, he shouldn’t be in the AHL for too long. If he can learn to limit himself to the system the team employs and not try to do too much, he could easily be a top pairing defender. He was over a hit and block per game already in the SHL. In multicategory leagues, there probably won’t be a better prospect defenseman. Victor Nuño

July 2021 – Edvinsson was selected in the first round, 6th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2021 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

December 2020 – Edvinsson started the year with Frolunda of Sweden’s J20 Nationell league but earned a call up to the SHL after picking up a goal and five assists in 14 games. His play has earned the attention of the national team as well, with Edvinsson being named to Sweden’s preliminary roster for the World Junior Championships as a first-time draft eligible.

Edvinsson has one of the most exciting tool kits in the entire draft class, standing at 6-4 with exceptional puck skills and skating ability. He has a long, powerful stride that allows him to cover a lot of ground and he is able to generate speed while retreating with backward crossovers as well. Edvinsson has a solid base with great weight distribution and always looks in control of his movements, allowing him to maintain good gaps and force plays where he wants them to go in defensive transition. He has an active stick and uses his excellent reach to disrupt plays but will also separate players from the puck physically. Edvinsson shows good awareness in the defensive zone, constantly scanning for threats and utilizing shoulder checks on puck retrievals. While he is a strong defender, Edvinsson shines in the offensive zone with his ability to make defenders miss with quick moves and distribute from the point. He has a knack for beating the first layer of coverage and taking the puck into the middle of the offensive zone and often does it from a standstill. His skating ability, as well as his offensive toolkit, are a rare package for a player with his size and while he still has to put it all together, the potential is there for Edvinsson to become a dominant NHL defenseman. Nick Richard