From The Silky Mitten State: Top Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson looks every bit the part of a reliable end of the ice as Detroit pushes for a spot in the postseason

On Saturday night in Toronto, 21-year-old Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson scored the third goal of his NHL career, coming as it did in a 5-4 season-saving overtime victory over the Maple Leafs.

On the play, Edvinsson activated from the weak side, used his back and butt to protect the puck from William Nylander then worked the puck inside for David Perron.  Perron returned the puck and Edvinsson wired a wrister from a knee to score, before opening his arms to the heavens to celebrate.

On the most recent episode of The Silky Mitten State, my co-host Connor Earegood and I discussed the fact that Edvinsson's defending has impressed even more than his attacking.  His combination of a long reach, physicality, and poise to exit the zone cleanly have made him a standout in the defensive end of the rink, setting him up to earn the trust from his coaches to play in decisive situations.  

Regardless of the outcome of Detroit's two remaining regular season games, Edvinsson's form in this most recent call-up and the way he's immediately carved out a role for himself in the heat of a playoff race is an outstanding late-season outcome for the Red Wings' long-term future.

Here's a video excerpt from that conversation:

For full episodes of The Silky Mitten State, go to Spotify or Apple Podcasts:

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