The Detroit Red Wings are getting a significant boost as they activate defenseman Simon Edvinsson from injured reserve for tonight’s matchup against the Senators. With an open roster spot available, no additional moves were necessary to bring Edvinsson back into the fold.
Edvinsson, who missed the last seven games before the Olympic break due to a lower-body injury, is returning at a pivotal time. Fortunately for the Red Wings, much of his recovery coincided with the break, sparing him from missing a larger chunk of the season. This timing is crucial as Detroit aims to solidify their playoff positioning.
Before the break, the Wings posted a 5-3-2 record, but the Sabres' recent win has nudged Detroit out of the Atlantic Division’s top three and into a wild-card spot. The team struggled in Edvinsson’s absence, losing five of those seven games, which underscores his importance to their defensive lineup.
Drafted sixth overall in 2021, Edvinsson has emerged as a key player, often partnering with Moritz Seider on the top defensive pairing. He’s been logging over 22 minutes per game, contributing a solid 6-11-17 scoring line with a +6 rating over 48 games. His pairing with Seider has been particularly effective, controlling 55.3% of expected goals at 5-on-5, ranking eighth among league pairings with at least 500 minutes together, according to MoneyPuck.
Without Edvinsson, Detroit’s left-side defense depth was notably thin. Ben Chiarot, holding the #2 spot, has been outscored 47-38 at 5-on-5 this season and has struggled with a 46.2% shot attempt control. Albert Johansson’s possession stats haven’t fared much better, highlighting the void Edvinsson’s absence created.
As the Wings gear up for a challenging stretch-facing the sixth-most difficult remaining schedule per Tankathon-Edvinsson’s return is timely. Their primary playoff competitors, the Bruins, Canadiens, and Sabres, also face tough schedules, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the playoff race.