Following a promising start, the Detroit Red Wings have experienced a significant dip in form, with a 3-5-3 record in their last 11 games, including consecutive losses at the NHL Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden.
Despite three loser points somewhat mitigating the impact, it’s undeniable that Detroit has suffered 11 consecutive losses, plummeting from 2nd to fifth in the Atlantic Division, signaling a troubling trend.
While various factors contribute to their recent struggles, such as inconsistent goaltending and slumps from key forwards, today’s focus is on the underwhelming performance of Detroit’s defensive unit. To put it diplomatically, only four defensemen are making a convincing case for their place in the lineup, leaving three in need of improvement.
A pretty Swede goal from Simon Edvinsson! pic.twitter.com/vmIicGfvBi
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 5, 2023
I advocate for the Red Wings to bring up prospect Simon Edvinsson from the Grand Rapids Griffins, but I anticipate the team hesitating for several reasons, which we’ll explore shortly.
Disparities Among Defensemen
The top defensive pairing of Jake Walman and Moritz Seider has shown consistency this season, leading in Corsi For Percentage (CF%) on the team. Olli Määttä and Shayne Gostisbehere have been steady, if unspectacular. However, the struggles of Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl, and Jeff Petry have been evident, prompting lineup rotations and a need for alternatives.
Edvinsson’s Progression
Edvinsson’s development since the 2022 preseason has been notable, maturing significantly during his time in the AHL last season. Despite Detroit adding veteran defensive depth in the offseason, Edvinsson continues to impress in the AHL, leading the team’s defensemen in points through 13 games. While he remains the team’s best defenseman in the AHL, the question arises: Why hasn’t he been called up to the NHL?
Left-Handed Surplus
One major hurdle is the surplus of left-handed defensemen on the Red Wings roster, with Walman, Määttä, Gostisbehere, and Chiarot all favoring that side. Although some are flexible position-wise, the team’s left-side depth has limited Edvinsson’s opportunities in the NHL this season.
Obstacles to Clearing a Spot
The challenge lies in finding a spot for Edvinsson in the NHL lineup, requiring the demotion or trade of a current defenseman. Trade restrictions, including no-trade clauses, make it difficult to move certain players. Despite the need for improvement, the management appears reluctant to demote any players to make room for Edvinsson.
Contradicting Development Plans
Another factor hindering Edvinsson’s call-up could be the Red Wings’ development plan for him in the AHL. Considering the team’s non-contender status this season, rushing him to the NHL might not align with their vision for his optimal development. While excelling in top-pairing minutes in the AHL, Edvinsson’s path to significant NHL ice time remains uncertain.
Likely Delay in NHL Return
Considering these factors, it seems probable that Edvinsson will continue in the AHL into the new year, playing a crucial role for the Griffins. A mid-season call-up might only occur when the Red Wings’ playoff hopes fade, offering Edvinsson a consistent spot on the third pairing for the final 10-15 games.
This delayed promotion could provide a more extensive NHL sample size for Edvinsson and guide his summer training, without any cap-related reasons to keep him in Grand Rapids. Ideally, he should get the opportunity to showcase his skills in Detroit before the season concludes.
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