The Detroit Red Wings have been navigating the ice without their towering Swedish defenseman, Simon Edvinsson, who recently underwent a minor knee procedure. The decision came after Edvinsson experienced persistent discomfort, which reached a tipping point during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“It was lingering for a while, and then at the last game I felt something even more,” Edvinsson explained. Despite his efforts to push through the pain, the situation escalated to the point where surgery became unavoidable. “I thought I could go the whole season without doing it, but when I couldn’t really put weight on my knee, I knew it was time,” he added.
The good news for Red Wings fans is that Edvinsson is back on the ice for practice, albeit avoiding contact drills for now. As the Red Wings gear up to resume their NHL season on February 26 in Ottawa, Edvinsson remains hopeful about his return. “I’m going to take it day by day,” he shared, emphasizing the solid communication between him, the coaches, and the training staff.
During Edvinsson’s seven-game absence, Detroit felt his absence keenly, posting a 2-3-2 record. His stats speak volumes: second among team defensemen in goals and plus-minus, and third in blocked shots and takeaways. At 6-foot-6 and 222 pounds, the recently turned 23-year-old is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Detroit coach Todd McLellan is optimistic about Edvinsson’s trajectory. “His curve is where we think it should be,” McLellan remarked, noting Edvinsson’s impressive skating range and passing ability. “There’s a lot of runway left for him to grow, both offensively and defensively.”
As Edvinsson continues to recover, the Red Wings are eager to see him back in action, contributing his unique skill set to the team’s defensive lineup. With his promising growth, the future looks bright for both Edvinsson and the Red Wings.