Simon Edvinsson Contract Standoff Takes Concerning Turn

The Simon Edvinsson contract standoff has taken a concerning turn as the Detroit Red Wings prepare for their regular-season opener against the New York Rangers on Friday. Edvinsson, a restricted free agent, did not practice with the team on Monday and does not currently have a locker in the Red Wings dressing room, according to Max Bultman and interim general manager Shawn Horcoff.

This marks a notable change from the arrangement during training camp, where Edvinsson was allowed to practice despite not being fully participating. Todd McLellan had earlier praised Edvinsson for reporting to Detroit instead of remaining in Sweden to continue negotiations. With Edvinsson's previous entry-level contract expiring at the end of last season, Detroit retained his rights, and Horcoff had called signing him a priority.

However, nearly two weeks have passed since the negotiations, and the calendar is becoming a problem for the team. The Red Wings officially trimmed their roster to 23 players on Monday, with Edvinsson listed separately as a restricted free agent. This leaves Detroit's active defense consisting of only seven players, with Jacob Bernard-Docker on injured reserve and Andreas Englund designated as immigration non-roster.

Edvinsson's absence would place significant responsibility on the young defensive group, including Anton Johansson, Albert Johansson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and William Wallinder. Although there have been indications of interest from other NHL teams, Edvinsson had previously expressed his preference for Detroit, stating that the organization was the place "closest to my heart."

With the deadline for signing Edvinsson to an eight-year contract having passed earlier this month, the situation becomes increasingly urgent. While there is still a possibility of reaching an agreement, Monday's development makes it difficult to consider the negotiations as ordinary background business any longer.