Simon Edvinsson

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