The San Jose Sharks are still in the hunt for Simon Edvinsson, and the clock is ticking.
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Sharks have serious interest in the Detroit Red Wings defenseman as Edvinsson’s December 1 signing deadline draws closer. LeBrun said on SportsCentre with Jay Onrait that there has been very little progress in talks between Edvinsson and Detroit, and that the young blueliner is sticking to his position.
That deadline matters. If Edvinsson wants to play in the NHL this season, he has to sign by December 1.
Detroit is still hoping he changes his mind, but the situation is putting real pressure on the organization. LeBrun singled out San Jose as a team that would love to land the 23-year-old, especially with the Sharks looking for a legitimate top-two defenseman to pair with a roster already heavy on offense.
The bigger question is whether Detroit would rather move him than risk losing him or losing the trade value for a full season.
Chicago, meanwhile, is making it clear it’s willing to shake things up.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson spoke directly to frustrated fans Wednesday after a rough start that only got worse with a 9-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Davidson said the organization hasn’t delivered what supporters deserve, and he’s open to making meaningful roster changes. He’s told other teams the Blackhawks are available if the right deal comes along, and he’s willing to move major pieces if the return makes sense.
At the same time, Davidson drew a line in the sand: he doesn’t want to make a trade just to say one got done. He also backed head coach Jeff Blashill, making it clear a coaching change is not on the table right now. Reports also say Davidson was active during this week’s GM meetings, working the room as Chicago looks for answers.
In Philadelphia, the Flyers spent Wednesday trying to calm the noise around Matvei Michkov.
Head coach Rick Tocchet pushed back on the trade speculation, saying the team couldn’t comment on something he called untrue. Michkov also tried to shut it down, saying he was focused on hockey and happy in Philadelphia. Defenseman Nick Seeler added that an emotional moment between the two players on the bench was nothing out of the ordinary and had already been resolved.
Still, the story doesn’t sound fully buried. Elliotte Friedman and Pierre LeBrun both suggested ESPN’s Kevin Weekes wouldn’t have reported it without a reason, and both indicated there do seem to be real issues involving Michkov and some teammates.
LeBrun said it’s something to keep watching, while Friedman said GM Daniel Briere is facing a serious challenge in managing it. The Flyers remain committed to Michkov, but if the locker-room friction is as real as reported, Briere may have some tough calls ahead.
There’s also movement, or at least interest, in the Dylan Larkin situation.
On Oilers NOW with Bob Stauffer on November 10, Friedman said Larkin has not widened his list of preferred trade destinations, which naturally limits who can realistically get involved. Friedman also confirmed that Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff has an offer from Minnesota that is believed to include prospect Danila Yurov and three first-round draft picks.
That’s a hefty package, one that would give Detroit four major assets. Minnesota sounds serious, but the Red Wings still have to decide whether that return is enough to part with their former captain.
In Other News...
Patrick Kane Returns As Blackhawks Desperately Search For A Spark
Patrick Kane is back in the mix at a time when the Blackhawks could use just about any kind of lift. Chicago activated the veteran forward from injured reserve, opening the door for him to return against the Buffalo Sabres after missing the previous three games with an upper-body injury.
Kane had been practicing with the team and had already been sidelined for six games overall, leaving the Blackhawks to keep searching for more offense and a steadier rhythm without one of their most important players. His return gives Chicago a familiar presence to lean on, but the bigger question is how quickly he can settle back in and help a club still trying to find a spark. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks GM Sends Clear Message After Chicagos Brutal Start
Kyle Davidson spent his latest press conference trying to steady the conversation around a Blackhawks team that has stumbled badly out of the gate. The general manager acknowledged the defensive issues and the rough start, but made it clear he still believes in the current roster and coaching staff as Chicago works through its rebuild. He also touched on recent roster decisions, including the handling of Kevin Korchinski and the move to place goaltender Arvid Sderblom on waivers.
The bigger takeaway was Davidsons insistence that the organization is still focused on the long view rather than reacting to every early-season setback. Chicagos struggles have only sharpened the scrutiny on the front office, and the pressure to show progress is only going to grow if the results do not improve soon. For now, Davidson is projecting patience and confidence, even as the Blackhawks continue trying to find some stability on the ice. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Keep Getting Pushed Around And One Flaw Stands Out
The Blackhawks rough start has put a spotlight on a problem that goes beyond the standings. Elliotte Friedman said Chicago is still looking for ways to boost its offense, but the bigger issue is how often the team gets pushed around. He pointed to a young roster that is still learning how to defend as a unit, and to a lack of structure that leaves the group vulnerable when games get heavier and more demanding.
What stands out most is how little resistance the Blackhawks are offering in the areas that usually help a team survive those stretches. Friedman noted that Chicago has not been nearly physical enough, and that the club needs to tighten up its checking and overall edge if it wants to become more competitive. For a team trying to grow out of its rebuild, that kind of flaw can be just as damaging as any scoring drought. [Read more 🡒]