THN prospect expert Ryan Kennedy names Simon Edvinsson as a top five drafted prospect in the world
Though he's played just two NHL games this season, Simon Edvinsson has been at or near the top of mind for a lot of Red Wings fans throughout the season.
Sep 28, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (77) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) chases in the third period at Capital One ArenaEdvinsson entered camp battling for a chance to prove he was NHL ready, but Detroit's seven proven NHL D-men boxed out the 2021 sixth overall draft choice, relegating him to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. Edvinsson has been productive in GR, posting six goals and 19 assists in 42 games with the Griffins, but it hasn't earned him more than a cup of a coffee at the NHL level.
There is a nuanced discussion to be had about the relative importance of Detroit's present playoff chase and Edvinsson's long-term development, but, for the time being, the Red Wings' organizational stance appears clear: Detroit wants to remain in the playoff picture and believes its best chance at doing so does not include Edvinsson.
However, despite that lack of NHL opportunity (for the time being), Edvinsson remains a premier prospect. In a preview of the forthcoming "Future Watch" issue, THN's own editor-in-chief and prospect guru Ryan Kennedy named Edvinsson as a top five drafted prospect around the league.
Edvinsson joined Brandt Clarke of the Los Angeles Kings, Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks, Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks on that list.
So, if you're a Red Wing fan feeling impatient about Edvinsson progress, rest assured that his relatively slow arrival on the NHL stage has not diminished his standing around the scouting industry.