Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Prospect Simon Edvinsson “a Monster” at Four Nations Tourney

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2021

Simon Edvinsson, Detroit Red Wings prospect

Detroit Red Wings prospect defenseman Simon Edvidsson had two assists in his first game at the Four Nations Tournament

Detroit Red Wings 2021 first-round pick Simon Edvinsson is already playing to rave reviews at the U-20 Four Nations Tournament. He posted two assists in Sweden’s 5-0 opening win against the Czech Republic.

A source, with ties to the Swedish team, told Detroit Hockey Now that Edvinssson “was a monster” in the game.

“He looks better than Rasmus Dahlin did at the same age,” the source said. “He has the same offensive game and is much stronger.”

Simon Edvinsson, 18, plays at high-caliber level for Frolunda in the Swedish League. He has one goal and eight assists for nine points in 16 games. He owns a +7 plus-minus. The 6-foot-4 defenseman suffered a minor injury, but it wasn’t serious enough to keep him out of the Four Nations Tournament. Edvinsson will play for Sweden’s U-20 at the World Junior Championships.

Edvinsson is a full-service defenseman. He plays physical, is mindful of his defensive play and carries the puck with authority.

“You have to go back to Victor Hedman to find a comparable Swedish D-man, aged 18,” the source said. “The Red Wings have a gem in Simon.”

Edvinsson playing physical defense #LGRW pic.twitter.com/dyqyaqVFcl

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) November 12, 2021

A future Seider-Edvinsson pairing?

Edvinsson is a left-shot defenseman. Detroit Red Wings super rookie Moritz Seider shoots right-handed. The Red Wings could be looking at a big and talented top defensive pairing in the future. Or, the Red Wings could play them apart to make sure they have one or the other on the ice for 40 to 45 minutes of every game.

Based on how the Red Wings developed Seider, they won’t rush Edvinsson. Seider, after being drafted, played one season in the American League. He played another season in Sweden. Seider also spent a season in the German League before he was drafted.

Edvinsson played 10 games in the Swedish League last season, and is expected to play the full 2021-22 season. The Red Wings aren’t penciling him to play for the big club next season. GM Steve Yzerman has made it clear the roster spots have to be “earned” not awarded.

The Red Wings could bring him to North America to start next season in Grand Rapids. They would then have more control over his development. He could play a full season there or the Red Wings could bring him up at some point.