The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan reports that Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson is going to take a bigger role on the Wings’ blueline this upcoming season:
“I foresee him being in our top four to start the season,” [coach Derek] Lalonde said of Edvinsson, the Wings’ 2021 first-round pick. “His overall play from Grand Rapids last year to what he gave us down the stretch, where he slotted with our push at the end of the year, we foresee him in a similar role and kind of let it play out from there.”
Edvinsson, 21, played in 16 games with the Wings and tallied a goal, an assist, and an even plus-minus rating while averaging 18 minutes, 15 seconds of ice time. The numbers were impressive, but it was the poise and confidence he was playing with when the Wings were charging toward a possible playoff spot that stood out.
The level of play certainly put Edvinsson into a possible prime role this training camp and heading into this season. But Edvinsson isn’t taking anything for granted and doesn’t see it that way.
“I don’t think like that,” he said. “It’s training camp and we didn’t reach the playoffs. My main focus has been to be as good as possible and be as ready as possible for the start of the season. Nothing has changed with my focus from there.”
There has been little question about Edvinsson’s ability with the puck, his fluid skating, and his physical play. If there were growing pains, it was because of his defensive inconsistencies and learning to make the correct decisions with the puck on a more consistent basis.
That became more prevalent last season in Grand Rapids, where he had 30 points in 54 games, with a plus-five rating, while becoming the clear No. 1 defenseman with the Griffins.
“He created some offense with just his long stick and kept plays alive on the forecheck,” Lalonde said. “A few seconds later the puck was in the opponent’s net. Hopefully he can even get more minutes if he has it going one night. We might be a little fluid with our top four. If he earns more minutes, he’ll get more minutes.”
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