Waiting in the Wings | Defenseman prospect Simon Edvinsson playing with confidence, embracing development process

Future NHL stars are developing in the Red Wings’ prospect pipeline. Follow along as DetroitRedWings.com highlights the organization’s rising young talent in our monthly series, 'Waiting in the Wings,’ presented by Carhartt.

Being assigned to the American Hockey League after the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023 Training Camp concluded this fall was disappointing for Simon Edvinsson, but the 20-year-old defenseman prospect didn’t hang his head entering the 2023-24 season.

“Of course you’re always a little bit disappointed if you don’t make your goals,” Edvinsson recently told DetroitRedWings.com. “But I felt I took that and wanted to get better. Since I went down to Grand Rapids, I’ve done everything to improve and have been working on pretty much everything.”

Turning that disappointment into motivation, Edvinsson has shown significant strides in his second season with the Red Wings’ AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins. Through 27 games, Edvinsson paces the club’s defensemen in goals (six) and points (18) while sharing the lead in assists (12).

The 6-foot-6, 212-pound blueliner also made his season debut with the Red Wings on Dec. 23, logging 13:18 of ice time against the New Jersey Devils before recording his first NHL assist five days later against the Minnesota Wild.

“I think Simon overall has been extremely consistent with his high level of play,” Griffins head coach Dan Watson said on Dec. 14. “It started right from when he stepped foot here in Grand Rapids. I think the plan for him was to be consistent during practice and at a high pace with his play. He’s been doing that, which is translating into his games.”

Edvinsson, who underwent successful left shoulder surgery in May, said he feels good physically despite spending this offseason focused mostly on recovery.

“(The doctors) did a great job there in Vail (Colo.), helping me with my shoulder and getting it stable again,” Edvinsson said. “Of course went through the rehab and everything. I worked with (Red Wings Physical Therapist and Assistant Strength Coach) Nick (Lucius) and (Red Wings Head Athletic Trainer) Piet (VanZant) a lot, so it was good.”

Playing a defensive-minded game has resulted in more offensive opportunities for Edvinsson this season.

“I feel like I’m winning my 1-on-1 battles way more than I did last year,” Edvinsson said. “In general, I feel stronger and in a better position. How I play, I don’t go into games thinking I’m just going to play offense. I go in there thinking I’m going to play good defensively and then when the opportunity comes, I’m going to play offensively.”

Edvinsson made his NHL debut last season against the Colorado Avalanche on March 18, finishing the 2022-23 campaign with two goals in nine games with Detroit. He spent most of last season with Grand Rapids, recording 27 points (5-22—27) in 52 AHL games.

“I felt like I finally got used to the North American ice last December and by last Christmas, I felt like I was playing my hockey again,” the Sweden native said. “Since then, I feel like I’ve been taking steps forward. I got NHL games last year and saw how that was played, which was huge for me. I feel like I took things from those games and know what I must do to take a roster spot.”

As Edvinsson continues to embrace the development process, the young defenseman said he appreciates the insight from his Griffins coaches and teammates.

“I feel like we have good, experienced guys who are helping the younger guys learn,” Edvinsson said about his Griffins teammates. “(Head coach) Dan Watson is helping the team move forward as well, not just on the ice but off the ice. I feel like that’s been a really positive thing. Him, (assistant coaches) Steph (Julien) and Lash (Brian Lashoff) are a great coaching staff. I feel they’ve been teaching us a lot.”

And to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a full-time NHL player, Edvinsson said he knows he must be more consistent at the AHL level.

“I feel what I’m working on the most is actually nothing specific, but it’s my whole game,” Edvinsson said. “I’m trying to build levels to my game. As I go forward, I feel I can be better in most areas. That’s been a good mindset for me to have because I’m never happy with my skill, knowing it can always be better.”