MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a profile of Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson this afternoon, discussing Edvinsson’s weight gain, coach Derek Lalonde’s impression of the young defenseman, and #77’s own observations as to how the last few months of the 2023-2024 season unfolded:
After appearing in 54 games with the Griffins and the disappointing end of the season in Detroit, Edvinsson returned to Grand Rapids and got his first taste of AHL playoff action (six games).
“A lot happened for me the last two months,” Edvinsson said. “A lot depending on every game. It was just great experience. I think I know how hard it is to grab a playoff spot, and I know what it is that’s needed from the whole team and from me personally to really grab extra points at the end. End of the season, I felt good. I felt confident.”
He has a comfort level with Petry.
“We have really good connection on the ice and off the ice, complement each other pretty good,” Edvinsson said. “We go to dinners, do stuff together. We’ll probably go out fishing (during camp). It’s just those small things that gives you a good connection with your partner.”
He has learned to not try to do too much and play simple.
“Just don’t try to be the hero of the game,” Edvinsson said. “Opportunities are going to come to you. I’m going to play strong, and if the opportunity (comes) for (offense), I’m going to take it.”
Continued (paywall); Edvinsson is IMMENSELY talented, but he’s got a bit of an oversized, “I can do it all myself!” hockey ego, and he’s starting to learn how to be patient instead of trying to do everything himself. That shows tremendous maturation on his part, and that’s good news.
