Detroit Red Wings star player caught practicing with unexpected new team as contract talks stall
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Simon Edvinsson was spotted practicing with Frölunda in Sweden while his Red Wings contract talks stall, just two days before Detroit opens its season.
The Detroit Red Wings just took another hit before the season has even started.
Edvinsson, still unsigned, was seen skating in Sweden on Wednesday with Frölunda, the SHL club where he developed before Detroit drafted him sixth overall in 2021.
Swedish reporter Andreas Johnsson was first to share the video.
"Simon Edvinsson is back in Sweden.
Training with Frölunda on Wednesday."
- Andreas Johnsson
Training with Frölunda on Wednesday."
- Andreas Johnsson
The 23-year-old restricted free agent spent training camp in Detroit without a contract.
He joined practices but stayed out of scrimmages and all four preseason games.
On Monday he was gone once the roster was set, and interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the organization would keep talking with Simon and his representatives.
Why Sweden makes sense
Without a deal, he can't practice with the Wings, so skating back home keeps him sharp while talks continue.
Reports say the two sides are speaking daily, which suggests nobody has walked away.
This isn't a depth piece either.
Edvinsson scored nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season, and he owns 19 goals and 41 assists in 175 career NHL games.
Detroit built its blue line expecting him to eat heavy minutes.
What it means for opening night
The Red Wings host the New York Rangers on Friday at Little Caesars Arena.
Edvinsson practicing overseas doesn't mean he's done in Detroit, since the club still holds his rights.
Still, the gray area he had during camp is gone, and the pressure on Horcoff just went up.
It doesn't help that the front office is in flux, with Horcoff serving only as the interim GM.
Fans have noticed, too. Plenty are pointing out that he showed up to camp unsigned and handled everything the right way.
The longer this drags on, the louder it gets.
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