Detroit Red Wings defenseman SImon Edvinsson, who remains an unsigned RFA, is back skating in his native Sweden without an NHL contract for the 2026-27 season.
The 2026-27 NHL season is two days away for the Detroit Red Wings, and it appears as though they won't have one of their most important pieces on the ice with them when it comes time to drop the puck on Friday evening.
Unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who remains a restricted free agent, has returned to his native Sweden and is training with Frolunda.
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Despite not having an NHL contract, Edvinsson reported to Training Camp and was on the ice with the rest of his teamamtes for non-scrimmage drills.
"I don't see the reason for me to sit at home, to be honest," Edvinsson said earlier this month. "I think I would be stressed if I were back in Sweden now and I saw everybody else practicing. We are going into a new season where it's important that everybody is linked together."
"I don't know the expression, but everybody needs to be on the same page, and that was my reasoning to come over here," he continued.
Earlier this week, Red Wings interim GM Shawn Horcoff released the following statement:
“As of today, Simon is not practicing with the team. The organization will continue conversations with Simon and his representatives.”
Edvinsson, whom the Red Wings selected in the first round (sixth overall pick) of the 2021 NHL Draft, has emerged as Detroit's second-best defenseman behind Moritz Seider.
According to various reports, the Red Wings are allegedly interested in a bridge-style contract for Edvinsson, while he and his camp would prefer a more long-term arranement.
A difficult situation for the Red Wings just became more difficult with the start of the regular season now just over 48 hours away.
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