Detroit Red Wings defensive prospect Simon Edvinsson made his NHL debut on Saturday in a 5-1 loss against the Colorado Avalanche. While the team had nothing to show for their efforts, Edvinsson showed tremendous promise and hope for the future.
Detroit Red Wings Edvinsson has a solid NHL debut
Edvinsson played 15:34 and had one shot. His only hit of the game came against Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, and he had two penalty minutes with -1. Overall, a solid debut for the big guy and a promise for his future and the future of the Detroit Red Wings defense. The 6-foot-6 and 210-pound defenseman from Kungsbacka, Sweden, played a simple yet aggressive and defensive game. Colorado had a tough time skating around Edvinsson as he used his size to eliminate passing lanes and used force against the Avalanche forwards who skated into the Detroit Red Wings defensive zone.
As the first-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft (sixth overall), Edvinsson almost made the team out of training camp. Red Wings management had decided it would be best for his development to send him to their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, to adjust to the pro-style game in America. He struggled out of the gate as the speed and pace took some time to get used to. As the Griffins season went on, Edvinsson got more comfortable with the playing style and began to play his game.
Edvinsson has played 51 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins this season. He has five goals and 22 assists for 25 points and has 50 penalty minutes, showing he does have an offensive game to go along with his physical play. Edvinsson is mobile for his size and can skate well in all three zones. He does play a physical game in all three zones, putting out there that when he is on the ice the opposition is not safe.
It remains to be seen how many more NHL games Edvinsson gets with the Detroit Red Wings. He is auditioning for a full-time role next season and, based on his play, may have earned one already. One concern may be how he does against NHL competition full-time.
With the season almost over, it may be best for the Detroit Red Wings management to play him as often as possible so they can make a decision about next season and where he starts. With defenseman Moritz Seider being a full-time player for the Detroit Red Wings, Edvinsson is the next biggest prospect on the blue line. He will eventually make the roster but let us have a good, long look at him before the season ends.