Story Summary
Simon Edvinsson, the 23-year-old restricted free-agent defenceman, skated in Detroit’s first training-camp practice despite not yet having signed a contract. He did not take part in a full-contact scrimmage and declined to speak to the media until a deal is completed. Coach Todd McLellan praised Edvinsson for reporting to camp, and interim general manager Shawn Horcoff called signing him a priority and said the organisation hopes to “have something done here shortly.”
Key Facts
- Simon Edvinsson skated in the Detroit Red Wings‘ first training-camp practice despite not having a contract.
- Edvinsson is a 23-year-old defenceman and a restricted free agent.
- He did not participate in a full-contact scrimmage at that practice and declined to speak to media pending his contract.
- Coach Todd McLellan said Edvinsson showed up and was ready to perform, and that ” his team and the team of managers that we have right now are working diligently to get something done.”
- Shawn Horcoff, named interim general manager on Tuesday, said signing Edvinsson is a priority and that the organisation hopes to” have something done here shortly.”
- Edvinsson was selected by the Red Wings with the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
- In 72 games last season Edvinsson had 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists).
- He averaged 22:21 of ice time last season, second on Detroit behind defenceman Moritz Seider (25:40).
IHM Discussion
Edvinsson remains a restricted free agent, but he joined Detroit’s first training-camp practice rather than staying away from the group. He did not take part in the full-contact scrimmage and declined to speak until his contract is signed. Todd McLellan praised the defenceman for reporting to camp, while interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has identified a new deal as a priority.
Why It Matters
Edvinsson logged significant minutes last season (22:21 average ice time) and produced a 25-point season from the blue line. Those usage and production figures underline why the Red Wings want to resolve his status quickly: he is embedded in their defensive minutes structure behind Moritz Seider and has been a material contributor in his second full NHL season.
IHM Market Outlook
Detroit has publicly made signing Edvinsson a priority. Horcoff said the club would get to work on the contract as soon as possible and hoped to have an agreement in place shortly. Until then, Edvinsson’s status remains unresolved as camp continues.
Mini Q&A
Has Simon Edvinsson signed a contract with the Red Wings?
No. Reportedly, he is a restricted free agent and had not signed a contract at the time he skated in the first training-camp practice.
Did Edvinsson take part in contact drills at camp?
No. He skated at the first practice but did not participate in a full-contact scrimmage.
What have Detroit’s leaders said about the situation?
Coach Todd McLellan praised Edvinsson for reporting to camp, and interim GM Shawn Horcoff said signing Edvinsson is a priority and that the organisation hopes to have something done shortly.
What were Edvinsson’s statistics last season?
Edvinsson recorded 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 72 games and averaged 22:21 of ice time.
How was Edvinsson acquired by Detroit?
He was selected by the Detroit Red Wings with the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Coach Mark Comment
From a coaching perspective, a young defenceman showing up to practice while unsigned does two practical things: it preserves on-ice development time with coaches and teammates, and it maintains continuity in defensive pairings and systems work. Even without full-contact reps, practicing with the group helps a player sustain game readiness and familiarity with tactical plans – useful for both player and staff while negotiations continue.
What Comes Next
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the organisation is going to ” get to work on that contract” and hopes to” have something done here shortly.” That public commitment is the immediate checkpoint: a contract resolution remains the primary next development to watch.
IHM Final View
Edvinsson’s presence at camp gives Detroit a defenceman who is still engaged with the group while contract talks remain unresolved. The club has publicly prioritised a deal, but until one is announced, the key development is whether negotiations produce an agreement shortly.