Simon Edvinsson makes final decision concerning the Detroit Red Wings

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on NHL Now that the unsigned defenseman has made it clear he has no intention of playing for Detroit again.

The 23-year-old restricted free agent completed his entry-level contract after last season and has not signed a new deal or played a game this year. December 1 is the cutoff. If Edvinsson is not under contract by then, he becomes ineligible to play in the NHL for the rest of the season.

That clock should pressure both sides, yet neither has blinked. Friedman first reported on October 4 that Edvinsson preferred a trade.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has since said signing him remains a priority and that he has no interest in moving him. Contract length has also been a point of contention, with Detroit at one point firm on a bridge deal.

Time is the Red Wings' biggest problem. A towering young blueliner with top-pair upside would draw plenty of interest, and the San Jose Sharks have reportedly talked with Detroit extensively.

As a restricted free agent, Edvinsson has no no-trade protection, so Detroit controls where he could land.

Boston has also been mentioned in trade speculation, though Detroit has reportedly kept its asking price high. Still, any acquiring team would need to get him signed before the deadline, and Chris Johnston has suggested real movement may not come until December 1 arrives.

If no deal materializes, Detroit could lose a cornerstone defenseman for nothing while already juggling the Dylan Larkin trade situation.

For a franchise trying to stabilize its direction, the next three weeks could shape the future of its blue line for years. Fans will be watching every update closely.

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