Red Wings Will Let Edvinsson Replace Gustafsson on PP

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson is receiving his shot to play on the point of the Detroit Red Wings power play, although it’s hardly an exclusive tryout.

“Simon will get some opportunity,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said. “But there may be others that get rotated through and we’ll just see how it all plays out.”

With defenseman Erik Gustafsson out for the remainder of the regular-season,  the opportunity could have long-term implications for Edvinsson if he delivers. The presumption has always been that Edvinsson would be on the power play at some point.

Despite not being a regular on the power play, Edvinsson has put up seven goals and 25 points this season. He has an offensive flair.

“He does have the tool set to command or quarterback a power play from the top,” McLellan said. “He’s got a tremendous shot and we’ll encourage him to use that. If he sees an shooting opportunity on the power play, we want him to take it.”

McLellan doesn’t want to make a bigger deal of this than it is. As he points out, it’s not like Edvinsson will get six minutes of power play time per game.

“He’s going to get a lower total,” McLellan said. “Or whoever’s in that situation will get a lower total. And they have to be productive with what they get.”

Petry a Possibility

Edvinsson was the power play point man for Frolunda when he played in the Swedish Hockey League and for the Grand Rapids Griffins last season in the AHL.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” Edvinsson said. “I want to play as much as possible, and I feel like my latest games havn’t been as good as they can be. I’ve been a little bit up and down, so I feel like I need to take this opeportunity to be as good as I can and step up here the last 14 games.”

Injured veteran Jeff Petry has been a power play performer during his lengthy career. He won’t be ready to play Saturday against Vegas, but could be ready on this trip. The Red Wings could give him some power play time.

“He’s gonna be ready, but it won’t be tomorrow in Vegas,” McLellan said. “… At the back end of this trip, there’s a possibility. We’ve had (William) Lagesson in here for a long time and he’s been chomping at the bit to get in so he’ll get his opportunity to play and we expect a lot from him. Despite being probably a little rusty.”