Defenseman Simon Edvinsson has gone home to his native Sweden as he awaits a resolution to his contract stalemate with the Red Wngs, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.
Edvinsson, 23, is a restricted free agent whose side has been unable to reach a contract agreement with the club. The major sticking point between the parties reportedly concerns the length of contract, with Edvinsson wanting more years than the team is willing to give.
The Red Wings selected Edvinsson with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, and he’s become a key contributor.
He provided his own insurance in training camp so that he could practice with the Red Wings. On Monday, interim general manager Shawn Horcoff released this statement:
“As of today, Simon is not practicing with the team. The organization will continue conversations with Simon and his representatives,” the statement said.
Per The Athletic, Edvinsson returned home to work to maintain his “on-ice fitness.”
The 6-foot-6 Edvinsson remained in Sweden for a season after the draft and played for Frolunda in the top-tier Swedish Hockey League.
He joined the Red Wings for the 2022-23 season and made his debut on March 18, 2023, appearing in nine games with Detroit and 52 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League in that campaign. He became a full-fledged member of the roster in the 2024-25 season.
In 175 games with Detroit, Edvinsson has 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in an average of 21:10 minutes per game. In the 2025-26 season, he registered 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists).
The Wings begin their season on Friday with the New York Rangers visiting Detroit.