Simon Edvinsson Practices With Detroit Red Wings Without Signed Contract

Simon Edvinsson reported for the first training camp practice of the Detroit Red Wings, even though the 23-year-old defenseman, a restricted free agent, has not yet signed a contract. He did not take part in full-contact drills and declined to speak to the media, saying he wanted to wait for the deal to be finalized.

As reported by the NHL, Shawn Horcoff, named acting general manager, said signing Edvinsson is one of the organization’s priorities and expressed hope the deal will be closed soon.

Coach Todd McLellan praised the player’s attitude, stressing it was important that Edvinsson be present and ready to practice despite the contract issues. According to him, the team and management are working intensively to reach a resolution, and acknowledge that his return to the ice will be valuable for the group.

Edvinsson was selected by the Red Wings with the 6th pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Last season in the NHL he recorded 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) in 72 games and averaged 22:21 minutes of ice time per game, second on Detroit behind Moritz Seider’s 25:40. According to the NHL, club officials are working to finalize the contract and he is expected to return to the ice as soon as possible.