Frustrated by a bridge-deal offer and seeking long-term security, the Swedish blueliner is eyeing an exit as Detroit’s front office refuses to meet his demands.
The contract standoff between Simon Edvinsson and the Detroit Red Wings took its sharpest turn yet Saturday, with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reporting that the young defenseman is frustrated and would now prefer to be traded.
Friedman shared the update during the Saturday Headlines segment in the second intermission of Sportsnet's broadcast of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators game with his report adding more fuel to a situation that has been developing all week.
According to Friedman, Edvinsson's frustration has grown to the point where he prefers to be traded out of Detroit.
"The team and the agents are not talking, but there is word today around the league that unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade from the Red Wings," Friedman explained.
The insider continued by reporting "the Red Wings have made it clear to other teams that their priority is still to sign him" and that it is still their top priority.
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The latest report follows several others earlier this week that outlined the sticking points in negotiations.
David Pagnotta added financial context earlier in the week, reporting that Edvinsson is seeking a maximum seven-year contract. Pagnotta said the annual value is expected to fall between $9 million and $11 million, depending on the length of the deal.
The gap between a long-term commitment and a short-term bridge appears to be at the heart of the impasse. With Edvinsson now reportedly open to, and even preferring, a change of scenery, the Red Wings face a decision on whether to meet his demands on term or risk losing a young, high-upside defenseman they still hope to keep.
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