Are Detroit Red Wings Fans Ready for Simon Edvinsson?…
Drafting and developing players is exciting, but watching Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson in the NHL is even better. Here’s why.
Imagine it’s 2007, and somewhere in Michigan or New York, my family and I sit down to watch a TV show. Despite the dated technology, time seems to stop as we laugh at jokes that never get old. We try to get our California relatives to watch, but something strange happens each time—maybe a prank by a guardian angel who loves the show or maybe we’re just tired.
Rewatching my favorite show reminds me of watching Detroit Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson. Are the fans ready for him? Critics might call the show boring, but it’s far from it—just like Edvinsson’s game.
“He loves me not…Oops he’s dead” (Season 1, Episode 11) shows young Shawn Spencer hiding a black eye from his dad, Henry. When Henry finds out, Shawn explains that Elizabeth punched him while he was eating tater tots because he wasn’t listening to her. Henry teaches Shawn that tuning into people and anticipating needs are crucial in all relationships.
Edvinsson’s game parallels this lesson. Initially, his performance was inconsistent, likely due to injuries, new leagues, and unfamiliar environments. However, when Edvinsson tunes into the game and anticipates plays, he excels. Defensemen must buy time for their forwards, and Edvinsson does this best when communicating well with teammates like Albert Johansson.
Sometimes, Edvinsson gets distracted—his “tater tots” could be the crowd or the scoreboard. Having a consistent, patient partner like Johansson or Olli Määttä helps. Edvinsson thrives when he feels comfortable, confident, and in sync with his teammates.
Edvinsson’s development shows he might need extra effort in preparation, but he’s worth the investment. While Jeff Petry paired well with Edvinsson, Petry isn’t a long-term solution. Finding the right partner is crucial for Edvinsson’s success. He has the potential to be one of the NHL’s best defensemen, and Detroit must nurture his growth, providing stability and reliability in his defensive partner.
Moritz Seider might be a good match, but it’s uncertain if they’ll work well together in reality. This pairing could also leave other defensive lines weaker. Edvinsson needs a partner who complements his style and enhances his strengths.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Edvinsson showed tremendous growth under the guidance of Grand Rapids Griffins coaches Dan Watson and Brian Lashoff. His confidence and skills improved, though he sometimes held back. Edvinsson’s ability to make smart, routine plays consistently will help his team, but he should also assert himself more on the ice.
Edvinsson’s skating, size, and hands are rare in the NHL. While Seider excels in compete, consistency, and physicality, Edvinsson’s skill set makes him a standout. His final game of the season against the Milwaukee Admirals showcased his improved physicality and impact on the game.
Looking ahead, if Edvinsson’s injury doesn’t hinder his training, he’ll need to secure a spot on the team. Detroit might experiment with him (and Johansson) playing on the right side for flexibility. However, consistent playing time and stable partnerships are key for their development.
Fans are ready for Edvinsson, but the rest of the NHL might not be. The 2024-25 season promises to be exciting, and I can’t wait to see Edvinsson and Johansson take the next step. With patience and understanding from head coach Derek Lalonde, these rookie defensemen will prove their worth.
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