Edvinsson Wears Red Wings’ No. 3 Jersey First Time at Media Event

The Detroit Red Wings haven’t officially committed a roster spot to defenseman Simon Edvinsson.  But that doesn’t stop sponsors, oddsmakers and the media from acting as if they have.

More than 30 NHL prospects were invited to the 12th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase. It was held at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. Edvinsson was the only Red Wing.

The event provides Upper Deck — the league’s trading card partner — an opportunity to photograph rookies who have a chance to make NHL rosters this season. They wear their NHL uniforms.

This was the first time Edvinsson wore an official Red Wings uniform with the No. 3 he will wear in Detroit. Edvinsson wore No. 3 at the Red Wings development camp, but players wore practice jerseys. The Red Wings expect Edvinsson to be on the 2022-23 roster. However,  GM Steve Yzerman’s rule is that players have to earn a spot. He doesn’t hand out spots just on the basis of talent.

He has said that more than once since becoming Detroit’s general manager.

The original list of invitees for this year’s event were Yaroslav Askarov (Predators). Matty Beniers (Kraken). Matt Boldy (Wild); Thomas Bordeleau (Sharks). Mavrik Bourque (Stars). Brendan Brisson (Golden Knights;, Brandt Clarke (Kings), Graeme Clarke (Devils), Lukas Dostal (Ducks), Simon Edvinsson (Red Wings), Samuel Fagemo (Kings), Dylan Holloway (Oilers), Hendrix Lapierre (Capitals), Fabian Lysell (Bruins), Matias Maccelli (Coyotes), Jacob Perreault (Ducks), Sam Poulin (Penguins), Owen Power (Sabres), Jack Quinn (Sabres), Aatu Raty (Islanders), Lukas Reichel (Blackhawks), Marco Rossi (Wild), Braden Schneider (Rangers), Jake Sanderson (Senators), Juraj Slafkovsky (Canadiens), Ryan Suzuki (Hurricanes), Shane Wright (Kraken) and Connor Zary (Flames).

Edvinsson Hype

Earlier this summer, Edvinsson said he is keenly aware that Detroit fans have been following his progress in Sweden. He understands expectations are high. The hype on Edvinsson couldn’t be much higher. He will be under the microscope at the NHL Prospect Tournament.

Without making the team, Edvinsson sits at +1500 odds for winning the Calder Trophy. 

“Yeah, of course, I’ve heard it,” Edvinsson said. “You want to take a place. You want to make things happen for the team. Want to be part of the team and help the team win the Stanley Cup. Also for the fans. Everything is positive about it.”

The young Swede appreciates that Yzerman signed Ben Chiarot, Olli Maatta and others to improve the defense. But he seems confident of his ability to make the team.

“Of course, I’m a two-way defenseman, so I want to show everything that I can,” Edvinsson said. “I’m not going to hold back. I think everything is going to be important.”