Young defenseman Simon Edvinsson is starting to deliver the level of consistency the Detroit Red Wings will need from him for years to come.

Edvinsson was plus-1 in the 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers and was noticeable whenever he was on the ice. He’s plus-3 in his past two games.

“(It’s) positive for sure, a lot of good stuff,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “Some big moments for him. I thought he handled it pretty well.”

The 6-foot-6 Swede had three hits and a blocked shot. “Just that big body, gets himself out of a lot of trouble,” Lalonde said. “I’ve really liked his compete Probably brought a little more physicality to his game than I had anticipated or seen from him in the past, which is a really sign for him and us.”

Mickey Redmond and Ken Daniels are ready to bring you Red Wings-Rangers and Redmond believes Simon Edvinsson is here to stay. They also discuss the big game-opening brawl between the Rangers and Devils earlier this week.#LGRW | @ThinkFordFirst pic.twitter.com/NfG70X1fof

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) April 5, 2024

Larkin Consistency

Dylan Larkin scored his 30th goal of the season in Friday’s game. He has reached 30 goals four times in his career, including the past three seasons. But Larkin didn’t seem like he was in a mood to celebrate. His focus is clearly on the wildcard race.

Larkin’s goal came on the power play. But he was disappointed the Red Wings couldn’t get a second power play goal later in third period when New York defenseman Jacob Trouba was in the box.

“We’ve done a good job and given ourselves chances to win through special teams and tonight was no different,” Larkin said. ” It would’ve been nice to get one there on the power play at the end. We just didn’t convert. I had some looks. I felt I could’ve shot on the two on one and maybe on the power play I could’ve slid one over to Kaner, who was open on the half boards.”

Larkin is the first Detroit player to register three consecutive 30-goal seasons since Henrik Zetterberg put up four in a row from 2005-06 to 2008-09.

Red Wings Ice Chips

J.T. Compher scored his 17th goal of the season. It was his first goal in 12 games. His 17 goals matches last season’s total with the Colorado Avalanche…Detroit’s defensive pairing of Jake Walman and Shayne Gostisbehere was -2 in the game…Alex DeBrincat had one shot on goal. DeBrincat has 24 goals this season, but only one in 15 games in March.

The post Red Wings Notebook: Edvinsson Makes Physical Presence Felt appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

When defenseman Simon Edvinsson was on the ice in the closing minutes of Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was like the Red Wings were announcing the Edvinsson Era had finally begun.

Edvinsson’s performance in the midst of a pressure-filled wildcard race shows he belongs in the NHL. Coaches have more trust in him, especially when it comes to protecting a lead.

“It’s a lot of pressure going into those games,” Edvinsson said. “Every point matters, every mistake counts. I try to play kind of safe as of now. Try to play with my of course instincts, but always in the mind of defense first. I feel like that’s the way it’s gonna have to be right now, so that’s how I’m going with it.”

He won’t get the assist here but Edvinsson is the reason as to why this goal was scored pic.twitter.com/Avdg0wd2eu

— TheKlenkster (@TheKlenkster) April 2, 2024

In other words, he would show his offensive side more if every game didn’t carry the importance of a playoff contest. Edvinsson was on pace to be a 40-plus point defenseman in Grand Rapids this season. He can motor with the puck, racking up eight goals and 29 points in 41 games. But even at age 21, Edvinsson is savvy enough to know he needs to play it safe for now.

The Red Wings are 3-2-2 in the seven games Edvinsson has played for Detroit since being recalled because of Jake Walman’s injury. Walman is back, But Edvinsson remains in the lineup

“Of course it was tough games,” the 2021 first rounder said. “It was a tough road trip. To get four points from that is huge. I feel myself I’m just gonna keep going. Just play the way I’ve been playing – calm, poised. Also, the offense is gonna come. I feel comfortable out there, I feel confident. ”

Earning His Keep

Edvinsson was playing 18 to 19-plus minutes per game, but played more than 20 minutes in the 4-2 win against Tampa Bay. Some of that time came when the Red Wings were protecting a lead in the waning moments. He was plus-2 in that game.

“When you get the coaches putting you in those critical situations, it gives you confidence in your game.” Detroit defenseman Jeff Petry said. “It makes you feel good and have belief in yourself. I think he’s done a good job against some high-end skill and high-end opponents. I think he’s continuing to grow and getting better every game.”

The 6-foot-6 Swede boasts an even plus-minus since his call-up. In those same seven games, his partner Petry is minus-4.

Fans wanted to see Edvinsson called up earlier, but the Red Wings had seven veteran defensemen on their roster. More importantly, the Red Wings felt Edvinsson would benefit more by being the No. 1 defenseman for the Griffins.

Edvinsson Arriving On Time

His travel time to being an NHL regular is not out of line with his 2021 draft class. Nineteen of 32 first rounders have played at least one game in the NHL, but Edvinsson is one of nine currently playing regularly. He was drafted sixth overall.

“He’s been top four, you can see, he’s give us great minutes, he’s been a puck transporter,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “He’s had great defensive stops, the long stick has kept pucks alive. But even the other day he was starting to get really comfortable and he was the first man to forecheck a couple times, he got caught in some gray ice a couple times where they’re one play away from making a play. It’s just part of the growth of a thoroughbred. You want to let him grow a little but you got to reel him in.”

Simon Edvinsson is really good at hockey. pic.twitter.com/AMLIdhDLwa

— Spencer Raxter (@Spenmorax) March 30, 2024

Lalonde obviously doesn’t believe Edvinsson is playing as safely as he thinks he is playing. Lalonde said assistant coach Bob Boughner made sure Edvinsson didn’t start spreading his wings too far.

“The whole game, I’m like, ‘Bougs, reel Simon in.’ And he’s like ‘I’m on it, I’m on it,.’ Lalonde said. “He was probably right until that game was over, he was on his toes. I think that’s all just part of the growth and learning and I think that’s why you want to put these guys in those situations, really. Really big situations. Playing last year at this time is a lot different than playing this year at this time, where every play and every puck matters.”

The post Red Wings Trust in Simon Edvinsson Grows Daily appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Young defenseman Simon Edvinsson is making it hard for the Detroit Red Wings to return him to Grand Rapids by getting the job done in big games with playoff implications

“(It’s) hard, but he’s done a good job,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “Even the other night (against Nashville), we asked a lot of him. Couple mistakes, which are going to happen, just some growth. He kind of followed a turnover north that put us in a bad spot. Little things like that are teachable. What he’s doing out of our zone, how he’s defending, really positive for him. We talk about our team game improving of late and he’s been a big part of it.”

Edvinsson played 18:19 for a Red Wings team that played one of Detroit’s better defensive games of the season, although the team fell 1-0 on a late third period goal.

“We’ll take that (team) game every single time,” Lalonde said. “Just gave up a handful of chances. Obviously, you limit that team to one goal against, we didn’t turn the puck over. It was one of our better game management games. We didn’t give up any odd-mans. We gave up where they came out of the box, a little bit dangerous two-on-one, that was it. That’s playoff-type hockey. It’s tight hockey. I just liked our approach.”

Edvinsson Improving

Lalonde said Edvinsson just needs to continue to minimize his mistakes.

“When they do happen, we communicate it,” Lalonde said. “This team of year, our team video is important, reps are important, but I think a lot of what we do, especially in the situation of growing his development is the one-on-one type of video, called shift tape. This morning might be the most important thing for him to watch back his game, talk it though, what he’s thinking here, what was his thought process here, what did you see here. Very raw growth in the development stage.”

Edvinsson is expected to keep his place in Detroit’s top four in a big game against Washington because injured defenseman Jake Walman is still questionable with an undisclosed injury. He did practice on Monday.

“Probably not (ready), but we’ll see how he responds from practice, his first full practice and it was a legit practice,” Lalonde said. “Forty minutes with some legit reps. That was a positive. You don’t get many of those this time of year.”

Illness Making Rounds

An illness continues to work its way around the Red Wings’ dressing room. Defenseman Jeff Petry is the latest to be fighting the bug. He didn’t practice Monday. Lalonde was unsure Petry will play against Washington. Lalonde has already announced Alex Lyon will start Thursday. His 31 saves against Nashville earned him the Washington start.

“But it might be one of our better goalie performances in a long time,” Lalonde said.

Lalonde said injured Ville Husso isn’t yet close to being ready to play.

“He’s got to get comfortable enough,” Lalonde said. “He’s had a couple little small setbacks. But he’s got to get comfortable to get into a game, which will probably be in Grand Rapids. He’s not there yet.”

The post Edvinsson Earning His Keep: Walman Still Iffy; Goalie Decision appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Saturday, the Detroit Red Wings were in the NHL playoffs. Sunday, they weren’t.

They still won’t be today, but could be back into a postseason placing as early as Tuesday.

It’s an emotional roller coaster, and we’ve all gone on that trip. But in pursuit of a chance at the Stanley Cup, it’s the most enjoyable ride in the entire amusement park.

“We have to win,” Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson said. “That is kind of pressure, but it’s more fun. I’m more happy than I feel pressure, so it’s a fun opportunity I feel like.”

This power play was brought to you by Simon Edvinsson's awareness and skating abilities pic.twitter.com/YYiv3itoxH

— Red Wings Rant (@Red_Wings_Rant) March 23, 2024

He’s got a point. Don’t you think teams like the San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks, long irrelevant in the playoff picture, would eagerly embrace the opportunity to engage the pressure the Red Wings are currently feeling? For that matter, Detroit teams of the previous seven seasons would also be willingly stepping up to get into line and take this ride.

This Is Where Red Wings Want To Be

“This is where you want to be,” Detroit forward Lucas Raymond said. “It’s a tough spot, it’s pressure on everyone, but that’s the fun part of it.

“You’re playing for something meaningful. You can just feel it within this locker room. It’s awesome.”

Lucas Raymond is now the 2nd highest producing U22 swede in NHL history #LGRW pic.twitter.com/k8lUpe862T

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) March 21, 2024

With improved opportunities come increased expectations. Playoff hockey might not have been at the top of Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s to-do list in the summer. However, now that they’re knocking on the door, the players don’t want to let this chance escape their grasp.

“It’s more pressure of course, but that’s why you play hockey,” Edvinsson noted. “I like those moments. I’m just happy to be here now.”

Emotions and pressures must be put aside. For the Red Wings, it’s all about embracing the moment and making the most of it.

It’s just about enjoying it and coming through big,” Raymond said.

Win Over Capitals Would Reclaim Playoff Position

A win on Tuesday at Washington would see Detroit leapfrogging over the Capitals and back into the second Eastern Conference wild card spot.

“It almost feels like we’ve been in the playoffs already, just because of the emotion from game to game,” forward David Perron said. “We have to find a way to just park it, move forward. The day in between games is a day where you can get re-energized and get under control. And then you gotta get back into habit the next game.

“It’s a roller coaster. You gotta find a way to park it, get re-energized. Much like playoffs. You lose Game 1 let’s say of a playoff series and it almost feels like it’s over at times. And then you win the next one and it’s here we go, best of five. We’re back in this thing, we’re playing good, all that stuff. That’s what it’s gonna be for the next 11 games.”

The post Pressure? What Pressure? Red Wings Insist This is Fun appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The captain is back for the Detroit Red Wings. Dylan Larkin is in the lineup for Thursday’s huge game against the New York Islanders. He’s at center between Lucas Raymond and David Perron.

The status of Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin remained up in the air as the clock was ticking toward tonight’s 7 p.m. puck drop against the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena. He’d missed the past seven games with a lower-body injury.

Larkin took part in Thursday’s morning skate. Afterward, Detroit coach Derek Lalonde was noting that Larkin will be put through a battery of tests throughout the day Thursday to determine his status. Clearly, he wound up passing those tests with flying colors.

Larkin was back on the ice this morning. His status for tonight’s game is TBD.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/xuCcAixkUW

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) March 21, 2024

“Dylan is going to be a post morning skate eval,” Lalonde said earlier in the day. “He’s got some testing to do on how he responded to yesterday’s practice and the skate. So we won’t know probably until this afternoon, but the positive is he’s very close.

“I don’t know if it’ll be tonight but he’s getting really close.”

Red Wings Missing Their Captain

Larkin was hurt late in a 4-0 loss to the Florida Panthers on March 2. That game was Detroit’s second loss in a row. The Red Wings would go on to lose another four in a row without their captain. But they’ve won two of the past three games and currently are clinging to the second Eastern Conference wild card playoff spot. Detroit is one point ahead of the Washington Capitals and three points clear of the Islanders.

Detroit is again without defenseman Jake Walman (lower-body injury). That means rookie Simon Edvinsson will be playing his second consecutive game on the Red Wings defense.

Lalonde believes that being thrust into a key role during an NHL playoff race is only going to cause a growth spurt in Edvinsson’s development as a player.

Simon Edvinsson, recalled by #LGRW yesterday, is 100% NHL-ready.

The #6 pick in ’21 benefited from spending another year in the AHL, as he made huge strides defensively this season.

Edvinsson was ranked as the 4th best prospect in @TheHockeyNews 2024 Future Watch Issue pic.twitter.com/tLgKWFNPrZ

— Jacob Stoller (@JLStoller) March 20, 2024

“There’s more to it, there’s more intensity to it, there’s more pressure to it,” Lalonde said. “Obviously with Walman out he’s in a top-four role. This is a positive.

“He performed very well the other day. Now we’ll look for some consistency in that performance.”

James Reimer will be making his second straight start in goal. Reimer is 5-1 over his last six decisions. He’s 8-3-2 with a .914 save percentage and 2.81 goals-against average in 16 career appearances facing the Islanders.

The post Larkin Back For Red Wings to Face Islanders appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin went through his first full practice on Wednesday since suffering a lower-body injury on March 2. While Detroit coach Derek Lalonde would later suggest there was a chance Larkin could be back in the lineup for Thursday’s home game against the New York Islanders, he wasn’t ready to make a commitment to that possbility becoming a reality.

Dylan Larkin is going through all drills during today’s Red Wings practice.

Detroit’s captain has not played since the March 2 loss to the Panthers due to a lower-body injury. pic.twitter.com/657HZlp0Og

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) March 20, 2024

“Potentially,” Lalonde said of the chance Larkin plays on Thursday. “We’ll see how he feels. He’s progressively getting better. I’ll get a better feel when I talk to the training staff.

The post Red Wings Captain Larkin a Possibility vs Islanders (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Even when Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde hands out good grades, he usually offers a more comprehensive critique in the margins.

That’s just how he delivers his messages.

The bottom line was he thought Simon Edvinsson was “really good.

“For him to come in like that, play in the top four, he did a really good job,” Lalonde added.

Edvinsson, replacing the injured Jake Walman, played 18:36. He was minus-1. Edvinsson had two blocked shot, plus a hit.

Lalonde had another comment about Edvinsson:  “You can see that poise which makes him so special can get him in trouble, too.  And he did that a couple of times. Coming back into our zone, ended up turning it over. Even in the third, I’m like, ‘(Johnny) Gaudreau’s gonna pick your pocket.’ Everyone saw it and felt the same way. And he almost did. If it wasn’t for him being 6-foot-7, or whatever he is. He probably would have.”

Reimer Encore?

Lalonde didn’t commit to a goalie for Thursday’s important game against the New York Islanders. But James Reimer probably deserves the start. He was far from perfect, but he made 32 saves, including some big ones, in Detroit’s 4-3 OT win. He has won his last two starts, stopping 57 of 61 shots (.934).

“Battling,” Lalonde said. “For sure. He had big save after big save. Again, I just wish that . . . I think he wants that third goal back.”

Reimer gave the Red Wings the chance to come back.

“We’re pushing, we’re pushing, we’ve got Grade A’s, we hit the post, it’s on the goal line a couple of times.” Lalonde said. “And then they have a breakaway. That was a huge save. Even the guys referenced that when we went back in the room, that save.”

Prospect Signing

The Red Wings signed Colgate 6-foot-5 goaltender Carter Gylander to a two-year, two-way entry level contract for $855,000 per season. That includes an $80,000 per season signing bonus. His minor league salary will be $70,000. That contract starts next season. But the Grand Rapids Griffins also signed Gylander to an amateur tryout offer to allow him to play the rest of this season.

A 2019 seventh round pick, Gylander posted a goals-against average below 3.00 and save percentage above .900 in all four seasons at Colgate. His college career GAA is 2.69 and his career save percentage is .907. In 2023, he led Colgate to its first conference title in 33 years.

The Gylander signing adds to Detroit’s goaltending depth. Sebastian Cossa is the top prospect in Grand Rapids. Veteran Michael Hutchinson, the other Griffins’ goalie, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Toledo Walleye goalie John Lethemon, also on a Detroit contract, will also be an unrestricted free agent. Jan Bednar, the other Walleye goalie, is on a Griffins’ contract.  Trey Augustine, another top prospect, is finishing up his freshman season at Michigan State.

The post Notebook: Edvinsson ‘Really Good’ in Return to Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings, fighting to make the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, have called up 6-foot-6 defenseman Simon Edvinsson from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

He will play in Detroit’s top four with Jeff Petry as his partner. Petry and Edvinsson played together in the preseason.

“You just look at him on the ice,” Petry said. “I think the big frame, his ability to skate. That’s huge. His poise with the puck. Just making sure that we communicate on the ice. Just kind of talk our way through the D zone and things like that. I think he has the skill set to be here and do well. We’ll just kind of work with him on different things that we see and kind of build it from there.

Edvinsson was brought up because defenseman Jake Walman is day to day with a lower body injury. Another defenseman is fighting an illness. Forward Michael Rasmussen is also a game-time decision because of illness.

“(It’s) like go out and play your kind of hockey,” Edvinsson said. “That’s why you’re up here. That’s what they’ve been saying to me.”

Even though Edvinsson was brought up as an injury replacement, Lalonde said there is chance he could stay.

“We’re looking for solutions and answers,”  We’re in an interesting spot in that we probably had our best game in a while on Saturday,” Lalonde said. “Buffalo put up another touchdown last night. We help them to seven chances. We’ll see. We got a lot of moving parts. We’re still unsure on our D tonight. A couple of those guys will be game-time decisions on our back end.”

Edvinsson Knows the Score

Edvinsson understands the pressure that the Red Wings are under as they try to regain their wild card spot.

Edvinsson ready to work #LGRW pic.twitter.com/1hRIsNn50V

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) March 19, 2024

“We have to win,” Edvinsson said. “Only that is kind of pressure, but it’s more fun. I’m more happy than I feel pressure, so it’s a fun opportunity I feel like.”

Injured Captain Dylan Larkin won’t play tonight, but will practice Wednesday. His chance of playing Thursday against the New York Islanders seems iffy.

Edvinsson, 21, has played 51 games for the Griffins this season and leads the defensive group with eight goals and 29 points. The towering Swede is considered a two-way defensemen who has improved his defensive prowess this season. He’s one of the reasons why the Griffins have had a successful season.

Edvinsson played two games earlier this season for the Red Wings and recorded one assist.  The Red Wings selected him sixth overall in the 2021 NHL draft. He joins Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond as three Steve Yzerman draft picks currently on the Detroit roster.

The Red Wings are currently one point out of a playoff spot going into tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The post Red Wings Recall Simon Edvinsson from Grand Rapids appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

One hallmark of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ current 16-game points streak is that it has not been dependent upon one player, or one line, or a hot goaltender, to lead the way

In every game, a different guy takes the role of headliner.

Wednesday night defenseman Simon Edvinsson became the No. 1 star when he scored with six seconds left in overtime to lift the Griffins to a 3-2 win against Iowa that extended the Grand Rapids streak to 16. That’s three short of the franchise record of 19 that was set in 2015. The Griffins haven’t lost in regulation since Jan. 12.

“We just found a way to win — obviously it wasn’t the prettiest one,” said Grifins goalie Sebastian Cossa

The winning goal came against Minnesota Wild draft pick Jesper Wallstedt who was the next goalie drafted after  Cossa in the first round of the 2021 NHL draft. Some scouts had Wallstedt rated ahead of Cossa in the pre-draft rankings.

Edvinsson’s goal was his eighth of the season. Marco Kasper also scored his ninth goal for Detroit, and Zach Aston Reese also scored for the Griffins. Jonatan Berggren continued his impressive season by picking up an assist on Kasper’s goal. Antti Tuomisto and Taro Hirose assisted on the game-winner.

“Fundamentally I think we are sound,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said. “Our structure is pretty good.”

Goalie Sebastian Cossa made 26 saves to extend his points streak to nine games (7-0-2).

The Griffins play the Iowa Wild again Friday.

The post Edvinsson Plays The Hero in Latest Griffins Victory appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

TSN’s Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list, compiled by Craig Button, included two Detroit Red Wings players, although not in the order Detroit fans might have guessed.

Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Simon Edvinsson, generally considered Detroit’s top prospect, was ranked 25th. Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka was listed at No. 8. Sandin Pellerin was drafted with the 17th pick last summer and has played remarkably well.

Skelleftea player Sandin Pellikka received an “A” grade from Button, meaning he projects to be a top pairing defenseman, while Edvinsson has a B grade. His projection would be as a top 4 defenseman. Edvinsson has been as high as No 3 on a previous year’s Button list.

Edvinsson is closer to the NHL than Sandin Pellikka, but Button undoubtedly sees a higher ceiling for Sandin Pellikka.

Goalie Sebastian Cossa did not make the list, even though the Red Wings are pleased with his progress, particularly his play over the past two months. His absence is made more noteworthy by the presence of Minnesota goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt who was drafted after Cossa in the 2021 draft. Button ranked Wallstedt 18th on his latest list.

Another candidate for the list would have been center Nate Danielson who is playing well (21 points in 16 games) for Portland in the Western Hockey League. But he didn’t make the cut

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Former Detroit Red Wings player dies at 91
• Detroit defenseman Ben Chiarot is the self-proclaimed “OT Assassin.”
• Goalie Sebastian Cossa is making steady progress as a Detroit prospect.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings play the St. Louis Blues today at noon in a matinee game at Little Caesars Arena. Who’s hot: Patrick Kane scored the game-winning goal with 1:18 remaining in overtime. Kane netted the 15th overtime goal of his NHL career (regular season and playoffs combined), which is the third most by a U.S.-born player behind Johnny Gaudreau (16) and Max Pacioretty (16).

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy has trade talk about the Boston Bruins.

Philadelphia: A former Philadelphia Flyers player made scoring history in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski has Pittsburgh Penguins trade talk. He asks the question about whether the Vegas Golden Knights really need Reilly Smith?

The post The Daily: Red Wings Have Two on Top Prospect List; Trade Talk appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.