Contract deadlock looms as Detroit resists a max-term extension for the star defenseman, leaving both sides at a standstill while rival teams inquire about a potential trade.
As the Detroit Red Wings begin a new season full of possibility on Friday, they do so with the glaring issue of restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson and his unsigned contract still hanging over the club.
The two sides appeared cordial for most of the offseason, but a divide emerged when defensemen in the same range as the 23-year-old former top-six pick began signing new deals.
Thursday brought a flurry of reports that brought little optimism that a resolution is near. Insider Frank Seravalli said on the radio show The Fan Pregame that he doesn't believe the two sides are close enough to get a deal done.
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Pierre LeBrun rounded out the busy day of reports by saying he has heard some teams have called the Red Wings to ask whether they would ever trade Edvinsson, but the sense from the organization and interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is that re-signing him is the only focus right now.
Earlier in the week, David Pagnotta added context on what each side may be seeking financially, reporting that Edvinsson is looking for a max seven-year deal with an annual value expected to fall between $9 million and $11 million, depending on the term.
With the salary cap expected to rise in the coming years, the cost of re-signing Edvinsson will likely continue to climb, and based on the latest reports, there is little reason to believe a conclusion is coming soon.
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