Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Prospect Edvinsson Embracing AHL Learning Experience

Edvinsson has collected four points from two AHL games

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2022

Bob Duff

Simon Edvinsson is second on the Grand Rapids Griffins in scoring.

The raw numbers are offering an indication that the learning curve of Detroit Red Wings top defensive prospect Simon Edvinsson is in full swing. Through two AHL games with the Grand Griffins, Edvinsson has four points.

Edvinsson was counting three points in Saturday’s 8-5 victory over the San Diego Gulls. Dishing out three assists in two games, that’s given Edvinsson a share of the team lead in helpers.

Perhaps more importantly, the player Detroit chose sixth overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft is welcoming the opportunity to grow his game in the AHL with Grand Rapids.

“There’s some stuff I have to improve, I feel that myself,” Edvinsson frankly admits. “I want to bring my game to Detroit and I feel I can start here and develop my game here.

“I don’t want to be up there and survive, I want to be the best me out there. Of course that’s gonna take time. Right now I’m here. I want to win and we have some stuff to improve.”

Same Approach Worked With Seider

The Red Wings have seen this approach work out splendidly for them in the recent past. Prior to moving to the Red Wings last season, 2021-22 Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider was spending one season in the AHL and one in the SHL.

Simon Edvinsson’s first pro goal is an empty-netter sealing an 8-5 victory for @griffinshockey over San Diego Saturday night. He added 2 assists giving him 1g-3a in his first two pro games. pic.twitter.com/wYIz3HOagt

— Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) October 16, 2022

Edvinsson was playing significant minutes for Frolunda in the SHL last season. He’ll be doing the same this season playing for the Griffins.

I talked to (Red Wings GM) Steve (Yzerman) and (assistant GM) Shawn (Horcoff) and it sounded really good,” Edvisson said. “It was go down and play your game.

“I’m 19 years old. I love playing hockey and that’s what I’m going to keep doing. If it takes longer to get up there, then that’s how it’s supposed to be. I don’t have that stress to go up.”

Edvinsson Adapting To Faster-Paced Game

Like the vast majority of European players making the switch for the larger ice surface to the smaller North American rink, Edvinsson is finding adaptation to the faster pace of play here to be a work in progress. He’s learning the nuances of how to best play the game on the 200×85 foot ice sheet.

“Everything goes a lot quicker,” he said. “You want to be head up all the time. Sometimes it’s okay just to chip the puck out and that’s a big difference from Sweden.

“You want to keep possession there. I think that’s the biggest thing.”

Edvinsson has specific areas in mind in terms of what he

“Of course I want to be better defensively, be harder, and I want to develop my offensive game as well,” he said. “I want to get the shot off quicker and I want to make plays and place my teammates in better spots.

“I feel like this is the best place to do it.”