"He's a Swede and we talk our language," the defenseman said about the benefit of being paired with his countryman in Hagg. "He's a great hockey player. We're just gonna go out there and have fun. Do my best to help the team win, that's what I want to do."
Prior to his call-up, Edvinsson recorded five goals and 22 assists in 51 games with the Griffins this season, his first full campaign in North America.
"We're on a run with Grand Rapids," Edvinsson said. "I was just focused on that, to make the playoffs there, but to get called up was just awesome."
Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde admitted he's eager to see what Edvinsson will bring to the lineup.
"It's one thing to watch him down there," Lalonde said. "It's one thing to listen to our management team and listen to (Griffins head coach) Ben (Simon), but looks like he'll get real action. Obviously up under emergency basis with Ben Chiarot unavailable and Lindy (Gustav Lindstrom) couldn't finish practice today."
Lalonde said he's received encouraging feedback on Edvinsson from the Grand Rapids coaching staff.
"He's probably what you saw in camp," Lalonde said. "Where there's some games he looked NHL-ready and there's other games where he has a long way to go. I think it's part of the process. It sounds like a little more consistent of late, which is very natural for young players. I personally think it's a lot harder for young D. He's progressing accordingly and these types of opportunities are extremely valuable in his overall development."
