Red Wings draft Simon Edvinsson 6th overall

The Detroit Red Wings have drafted Frolunda Indians defenseman Simon Edvinsson with the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Red Wings pick is Simon Edvinsson, big left-shot D out of Frölunda — big upside— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 24, 2021

The Detroit Red wings select Simon Edvinsson 6th overall! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/mVfzRRSRjJ— Winged Wheel Podcast (@WingedWheelPod) July 24, 2021

At No. 6 in #NHLdraft, Red Wings select Simon Edvinsson, big strong Swedish defenseman.

Pick was teed up by 10-year-old Harold Washington, Jr. of Detroit, who won the draw to assist Steve Yzerman.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 24, 2021

The Red Wings just got the defenseman with arguably the highest upside in this whole draft. That is TOUGH with Eklund just sitting there but I get it #LGRW— nolan bianchi (@nolanbianchi) July 24, 2021

With the 6th pick in the 2021 #NHLDraft, the #RedWings select…

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson! ?#DRWDraft x #LGRW pic.twitter.com/iJEEG6xbXc— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 24, 2021

The first European is off the board and he’s heading to #LGRW ! pic.twitter.com/3eHMhTZjJw— DailyFaceoff.com Hockey (@DFOHockey) July 24, 2021

With the sixth overall pick in the 2021 #NHLDraft, the @DetroitRedWings select Simon Edvinsson!#NHLonSN | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/6IsJoUss7B— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 24, 2021

Simon Edvinsson gets picked by the #LGRW 6th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft @NHLgifs

pic.twitter.com/NBJ60JGBcS— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) July 24, 2021

https://t.co/zySTdZz7po #DRWDraft— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) July 24, 2021

Red Wings select Simon Edvinsson, 6’5 d-man from Frölunda.
Stats: https://t.co/X5HbhzfSTr #LGRW— Red Wings Prospects (@DRWProspects) July 24, 2021

With the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, the @DetroitRedWings select Simon Edvinsson out of the Swedish Hockey League! pic.twitter.com/yOVEDV57By— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 24, 2021

simon edvinsson, D#RedWings 2021 first round, sixth#Frolunda #SHL

rated 3-11

six-feet-five, 205

defensively-minded, gap control. considerable possession skills.

twin towers, with seider https://t.co/bSr2JrjGPk— gregg krupa (@greggkrupa) July 24, 2021

Family is everything.

Simon Edvinsson shares a special moment as he gets picked by the @DetroitRedWings at sixth overall. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/oKIpEzgJ0d— NHL (@NHL) July 24, 2021

https://t.co/G1eWkDtB60 #DRWDraft— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) July 24, 2021

With the No. 6 pick in the 2021 #NHLDraft, the Detroit Red Wings select D Simon Edvinsson of Frolunda. https://t.co/2tuIFoRuNw

“A two-way defenseman with great offensive instincts. He is also a great skater with good mobility. His decision-making is a question mark at times.” pic.twitter.com/Epxdkh9Ugy— FCHockey (@FCHockey) July 24, 2021

Detroit Red Wings select LD Simon Edvinsson from Frölunda with the #4 selection in the 2021 NHL Draft.
I saw only bits and pieces of Edvinsson this last season but lots of obvious potential in the player. Wearing white and jersey no.3 in the below clip. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/eslbpN74G9— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) July 24, 2021

https://t.co/hkyNsx7oR9 #drwdraft— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) July 24, 2021

??? #DRWDraft #LGRW pic.twitter.com/56zAKTnIQ1— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 24, 2021

Here’s the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan:

The 6-foot-5, 207 pound Edvinsson played 24 games for Frolunds and Vasteras in Sweden, and has been compared to Tampa defenseman Victor Hedman because of his size and mobility.

Edvinsson likes needs another year or two in Sweden before coming over to North America.

Scouts feel Edvinsson is further ahead defensively than offensively, but like many of his intangibles.

Was surprised Red Wings took Simon Edvinsson 6th overall when William Eklund fell into their lap. Doesn’t mean it was wrong pick. Edvinsson has plenty of skill for size. Big thing will be how he handles forecheck on smaller North American ice. Frolunda like Wings farm team.— Pat Caputo (@patcaputo98) July 24, 2021

Detroit Red Wings select defenseman Simon Edvinsson with No. 6 pick in 2021 NHL draft https://t.co/Aiu4vgWY4B via @freep— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 24, 2021

A look at the Red Wings alternate uniforms for the 2024 season: pic.twitter.com/j2Jf3ZleLC— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 24, 2021

The Free Press’s Helene St. James weighs in:

The Detroit Red Wings went with what they know so well in making their first pick in the 2021 NHL draft: A Swedish defenseman.

Sticking to selecting the player they deemed the best one available at No. 6, the Wings picked Simon Edvinsson, a 6-foot-4, 198-pound elite two-way defender who shoots left. He joins what under Yzerman has become an impressive stable of defense prospects next to 2019 first-round pick Moritz Seider.

Edvinsson split the 2020-21 season between Vasteras IK (five points in 14 games) in Sweden’s second-tier league and Frolunda (one point in 10 games) in the Swedish Hockey League. One of his teammates with Frolunda was Lucas Raymond, the Wings’ first-round selection, at No. 4, in 2020.

Between Seider, Hronek, Edvinsson, Johansson, Tuomisto, Wallinder, Viro, Sebrango,McIsaac, Red Wings’ future defense corps is shaping up to be a major organizational strength in a few years— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 24, 2021

NHL.com:

6. Detroit Red Wings – Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR)

NHL Central Scouting: No. 2 (International skaters)

Edvinsson (6-4, 198) is a physical, left-shot defenseman with good tools that include mobility, skating and a strong shot. The 18-year-old had one assist and averaged 5:48 of ice time in 10 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League this season and scored six points (one goal, five assists) in Sweden’s junior league. Edvinsson scored four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games to help Sweden finish third at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.

NHL.com analysis: The Red Wings add a big, strong, right-shot defenseman to their prospect pipeline in Edvinsson, whose skills and smarts are reminiscent of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones. With Edvinsson and Moritz Seider, the No. 6 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, Detroit’s defense corps looks to be in outstanding shape moving forward.

From WXYZ:

Edvinsson was ranked second among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting Services behind forward William Eklund, who went to the San Jose Sharks with the following pick.

Edvinsson told NHL.com he looks up to Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom:

“He’s a legend here in Sweden and I think every defender here is Sweden knows who he are. He’s a terrific guy. He’s an easy player that makes great effort for the team. I think that’s what every defender wants to achieve, being there for the team and to play easy, to be strong, aggressive and win 1-on-1 duels, to be harder to play against. That’s what I like about him.”

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman:

6. Detroit Red Wings: Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frolunda-SHL

Feb. 5, 2003 | 6-foot-4 | 198 pounds

Scouting report: Edvinsson was impressive in the junior ranks in Sweden. He was good, but not amazing at varying pro levels and was an anchor for Sweden’s U18 team internationally. He stands out instantly as a 6-foot-4 defenseman with legit offensive skill. It’s rare to see a player his size lead a rush or make a play off the blue line and dangle through opponents consistently like he does. Edvinsson is also quite a good skater for his size. His straightaway speed is just OK, but he’s got great edgework, showing the first step and quick turns to elude pressure and create clean exits and entries. Defensively his size and skating allow him to close gaps and make a lot of stops and he’s not afraid to be physical. He’s not a dynamic playmaker, but Edvinsson can make the heads-up first pass and shows some power-play poise. In a sentence, Edvinsson projects as a quality top-four defenseman and on a power-play unit with the potential to play higher in an NHL lineup.

Thoughts on the pick: Edvinsson is a very talented defenseman with size, mobility and great skill who becomes a core part of Detroit’s future with Moritz Seider. Edminsson’s overall season wasn’t amazing, but you can see the talent to bet that he could become a true top pair, two-way guy. I’d like the see the offense be more consistent, which is why I didn’t have him this high, but I appreciate the swing on upside given how many other futures they have.

MLive’s Ansar Khan:

Edvinsson played 10 games for Frolunda’s men’s team (no goals, one assist). He played 14 games each with Vasteras in Sweden’s second men’s division and Frolunda’s J-20 team.

Edvinsson is the highest-drafted Swedish defenseman since fellow Frolunda product Rasmus Dahlin went first overall to Buffalo in 2018 and went straight to the NHL.

“A big, physically strong two-way defenseman that plays with confidence and is a leader on the ice,” is how NHL Central Scouting described Edvinsson. “Moves the puck quickly – an excellent passer and playmaker. A hard-working competitor that never panics and makes good decisions. Calm with the puck and sees the ice well. Knows how to use his size and strength when needed. Has all the tools to become a star.”

Central Scouting compared Edvinsson to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman, the second pick in the 2009 draft who is arguably the best defenseman in the league.

ESPN:

6. Detroit Red Wings: Simon Edvinsson, D

Team: Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Ranking: 8 | Nationality: SWE
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
Stats: 14 GP, 1 G, 5 A

How he fits: Talented Swede joins the Red Wings. In other news, water remains wet. Edvinsson gives Detroit a player many feel projects to be a franchise blueliner. The Red Wings now have a foundational 6-foot-5 defenseman on the left side to join their foundational 6-foot-4 defenseman on the right side in Moritz Seider. Hey, the Red Wings know from trying to build from the Swedish defensemen out. Ask Steve Yzerman. — Wyshynski

From TSN’s Mark Masters, 3 days ago:

Simon Edvinsson has embraced mixed martial arts as he works his way toward the National Hockey League. 

“It was two years ago and my dad said, ‘Let’s go and try something new,’ and I said, ‘Okay, why not?'” recalled the 6-foot-4, 198-pound defenceman, who played 10 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League last season. “So, we tried mixed martial arts and I said, ‘Wow, this is good for my long body to just have control of everything.’ I feel like the more you do it the more control you have on your body.”

Edvinsson also enjoys watching the fights. 

“I’ve always been a fan of Conor McGregor,” the 18-year-old lefty said with a laugh. “He’s just cool. He’s a cool guy.”

Although Edvinsson’s personality is quite different than the ‘Notorious’ McGregor. 

“I’m more laid-back than he is … I’m more calm and maybe humble. He’s pretty aggressive.”

That humble nature is evident when Edvinsson is asked about coming in third on TSN’s final list of draft prospects compiled by Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie. 

The Free Press’s Carlos Monarrez weighs in:

Grade: B

Steve Yzerman warned us that he wasn’t drafting for need — offense in this case — with so much difficulty involved in projecting the potential of 18-year-olds so many years down the line. Yzerman held true to his word and passed on offensive dynamos William Eklund and Dylan Guenther to draft a 6-foot-5 smooth-skating Swede who’s can force turnovers but can also carry the puck and has the potential to quarterback the power play.

Here are some highlights of new #RedWings pick Simon Edvinsson: https://t.co/xpa0rVQLO6— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 24, 2021

From Sportsnet’s Mike Shulman:

Beyond Power — who seemingly has a firm grip on the consensus No. 1 title — it’s up for debate how the other three stack up. But Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, says he could easily see the rangy and skilled Edvinsson being next among the group to have his name called on July 23.

“Well, he certainly belongs in the conversation of being top five, top 10 in this draft class,” says Marr of Edvinsson, who is second among European skaters in Central Scouting’s final rankings, behind forward William Eklund.

“Right now, you can concede the No. 1 spot to Owen Power, but there’s five or six names that could go No. 2. And if he was one of those names, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

USA Today’s Kyle Woodlief weighed in as well:

6: Detroit Red Wings: D Simon Edvinsson, Frolunda

Tower of strength on the blue line. He does everything: hit, defend, make brilliant outlets with superb vision, skate the puck out on his own, generate offence at the other end. All while playing about 30 minutes per night in all key situations. Outstanding all-around game. Spectacular puck skills, unbelievably calm demeanour under constant pressure, and great hockey sense

The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler penned a lengthy profile of Edvinsson on July 3rd:

He’s the 2021 NHL Draft’s unicorn. He knows it. Those who’ve worked with him know it. There’s just something about Simon Edvinsson that’s different.

He’s a rangy, haywire 6-foot-4 198-pound defenseman with hands like a player 10 inches shorter and lateral agility like one 40 pounds lighter.

But as those who know him will tell you, there’s also a method to his madness. And as he’ll tell you, there’s more to those unique attributes than genetics.

He has crafted himself through hard work and promises to get the most out of his one-of-a-kind package.

#DraftCentre ANALYSIS: @CraigJButton’s scouting report and assessment of the Detroit Red Wings’ selection of Simon Edvinsson – https://t.co/tcJ50ry2Wf#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/7p8zpCA6qE— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) July 24, 2021

More from Kulfan:

“Simon has tremendous upside,” Frolunda general manager Fredrik Sjostrom told The Detroit News last month. “When you have that size and reach and skate as well as he does, you’re going to go early in the draft. In today’s game, you need speed and ability. He’ll definitely be a top-pair defenseman in the NHL.”

Raymond and Edvinsson train together in Gothenburg, their mothers are both fitness trainers, and Edvinsson talked about how exciting it would be to be drafted by the Wings.

“If I get drafted by Detroit, it would be great,” Edvinsson told The Detroit News. “I would have a lot of Swedish friends there and they have really good players on the team. 

“One of them is Moritz Seider, who got the award for the best defender here in the Swedish Hockey League. I met him one time in the corner. He’s a strong guy.”

As for his teammate Edvinsson, Raymond said he’s a “skilled defenseman, a good skater who is mobile with good vision.”

Great athlete, big & mobile. Strong defense and has offensive upside but that side needs to mature. So sounds like Seider in 2019 but Seider has developed a lot and is more aggressive. 6th is fair, was ranked consensus ~7th (Seider was ranked ~15th, picked also #6). https://t.co/QsAtoXi2ER— Red Wings Prospects (@DRWProspects) July 24, 2021

Simon Edvinsson. #DRWDraft #LGRW

?: https://t.co/e0MVZTggHP pic.twitter.com/M4PvBhzPnE— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 24, 2021

Here’s Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen on Edvinsson:

The Detroit Red Wings used the No. 6 pick to draft 6-foot-5 Swedish left-shot defenseman Simon Edvinsson who grew up idolizing Nicklas Lidstrom

“I never met him, but I watched when he played and I watched a lot of video of him, “Edvinsson said. “I am a great fan of his and I’ve heard all of the stories.”

Edvinsson is projected to be a top pairing defenseman.  He helped Sweden win a gold medal at the World U-18 championship in 2018-19 and was a member of last year’s bronze medal-winning World Junior team.

“I just like to give the team a good effort on the ice,” Edvinsson said.

Red Line Report,  an independent scouting review, said Edvinsson “Does everything: hit, defend, make brilliant outlets with superb vision, skate the puck out on his own, generate offense at the other end.”