The Daily: Red Wings Edvinsson Not Only High-End Prospect Starting in AHL

As the sixth player chosen in the 2021 NHL entry draft, there was significant hope that Simon Edvinsson would be cracking the opening-night roster of the Detroit Red Wings.

Instead of suiting up for the Red Wings on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens, Edvinsson will be launching his North American pro career at Van Andel Arena, playing the AHL season opener for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Some short clips of Simon Edvinsson's play in preseason vs. Pittsburgh #LGRW pic.twitter.com/SwVycMXQDj

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) October 5, 2022

“There were moments in camp you could see he could have been ready for Day One here and there’s other games . . .” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said of Edvinsson. “I just think it’s more consistency.

“It’s hard to do it every night. I think he showed that in the preseason. He had some ups and downs in his game. Again, very good camp from him. Very excited on where he can be and what he can be.”

Edvisson isn’t the only high-end prospect who will be honing their craft in the AHL. Center William Eklund, the seventh player chosen in the 2021 draft by the San Jose Sharks, will be skating with the San Jose Barracuda.

“They want me to play a lot of minutes and be that guy,” Eklund told San Jose Hockey Now.

Former Michigan Wolverine Thomas Bordeleau, the 38th overall selection in 202o, was also sent to the Barracuda by the Sharks. Another ex-Wolverine, center Johnson, was sent to the AHL Cleveland Monsters by Columbus. He was the fifth overall pick in 2021.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• New coach Derek Lalonde wants his Red Wings team to play fast, aggressive hockey
• Detroit defenseman Jake Walman (shoulder surgery) is nearing a return to action
• Red Wings playing a waiting game with rookie forward Elmer Soderblom
• What does the future hold for Detroit forward Filip Zadina?

Hockey Now Network

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Florida: As much as they want to sign veteran NHL center Eric Staal, the Panthers are so cash-strapped against the salary cap they’ve only got 20 players on the 23-player roster. Florida Panthers

Islanders: Former Islanders defenseman Andy Greene announced his retirement. New York Islanders

Washington: Former Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha was the scorer of the Capitals’ first goal of the season. Washington Capitals

San Jose: Rumors continue to circulate that the Sharks reverse retro jerseys will pay homage to the California Golden Seals. But will they wear white skates? San Jose Sharks

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Vegas: Limited to 37 games last season by a back injury, Golden Knights captain Mark Stone netted the game winner as Vegas was opening the season with a 4-3 victory over Los Angeles. Vegas Golden Knights

Colorado: The Avalanche Stanley Cup rings are really impressive, to say the least. Colorado Avalanche

Dallas: The Stars are naming former Red Wings forward Luke Glendening as an alternate captain. Dallas Stars

Philadelphia: Flyers MVP Cam Atkinson will be missing tonight’s season opener against New Jersey with an undisclosed injury. Philadelphia Flyers

Montreal: Cole Caufield scored twice as the Canadiens opened the season with a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Montreal Canadiens

Calgary: Why the Flames are opting not to name a captain this season. Calgary Flames