Simon Edvinsson reportedly has returned to his native Sweden while the restricted free agent awaits a new contract from the Detroit Red Wings.
After arranging for his own insurance to be with then during training camp, at least for practices, things changed once the Wings exited the preseason. Edvinsson was not with the team on Monday, Sept. 28, and interim GM Shawn Horcoff released a statement that, “As of today, Simon is not practicing with the team. The organization will continue conversations with Simon and his representatives.”
On Wednesday, news emerged from Sweden that Edvinsson had returned to Sweden to keep up his on-ice fitness.
“Simon Edvinsson is back in Sweden. Training with Frölunda on Wednesday,” read a post from Andreas III Johnsson, a hockey reporter based in Göteborg, Sweden.
It’s quite a commitment to make for Edvinsson to return to Sweden, involving connecting flights and a six-hour time change.
Wings representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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The Wings drafted Edvinsson, 23, at No. 6 in 2021, after general manager Steve Yzerman had scouted the rangy defender (6 foot 6, 222 pounds) heavily as Edvinsson rose through the ranks of the Swedish hockey leagues. Edvinsson stayed in his native Sweden in 2021-22, playing for the Frölunda HC in the SHL. He came to North America the following season, and debuted for the Wings on March 18, 2023, appearing in nine games that spring. He spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, posting 27 points in 52 games.
Edvinsson posted a career-high nine goals among 25 points in 72 games this past season. He ranked second on the team in average ice time (22:35 minutes) when he suffered a lower-body injury in late January, likely costing him a chance to join Sweden at the 2026 Milano Olympics.
The Wings open the season on Friday, at Little Caesars Arena, against the New York Rangers.
