MLive’s Ansar Khan took note of Simon Edvinsson’s status as probably Grand Rapids Griffins-bound for the start of the 2023-2024 season, as well as the fact that Edvinsson has a mentor sitting next to him in Jeff Petry:
Edvinsson, 20, got a feel for the NHL during a late-season nine-game stint with the Red Wings (two goals, no assists, minus-7), but it didn’t convince the front office that he’s ready to move up a league. The Red Wings have seven NHL defensemen after signing Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl and trading for Jeff Petry.
That means Edvinsson will start the season with the Griffins, barring an injury or two.
“Of course, you want to take a roster spot, but at the same time I want to be a player that’s not just up in the NHL, I want to be someone that helps the team win and puts in the work every time,” Edvinsson said. “I feel like it helped me a lot, the nine games. I know what I’m good at and what I need to build on. Just compete, don’t do unnecessary things. (Be) smarter on the ice and off the ice. How to be a pro.”
He’s getting lessons from Petry, the 13-year pro assigned to sit next to him in the dressing room and sort of serve as a mentor.
“We talk about everything, on the ice and off the ice,” Edvinsson said. “He’s a real nice guy. I’m young, he’s been in the league for a while. I keep my ears and eyes open to see what he does and doesn’t do. He’s a big role model.”
