Detroit Red Wings
Ever Wonder Why Red Wings Edvinsson Wears No. 77?
Red Wings D Wears Same Number as Hedman
When defenseman Simon Edvinsson made his Detroit Red Wings debut during the 2022-23 NHL season, he did so while wearing No. 3 on his back.
When he was returning for the 2023-24 season, Edvinsson’s Detroit jersey was adorned with the No. 77.
Why the change? Allow Edvinsson to explain.
He wore No. 7 in the SHL with Frolunda. Unable to wear the same number in Detroit – it was long ago raised to the rafters, retired in honor of Red Wings icon Ted Lindsay – Edvinsson opted to do the next best thing.
He doubled down.
Now he’s also doubling down while playing for Sweden at the IIHF World Championship. In his first world tourney, Edvinsson is also wearing No. 77 for the Swedes.
Red Wings Edvinsson Honored To Wear Hedman’s Number
“In Tre Kronor, no one has asked, they just gave me the same number that I have in the club team,” Edvinsson told Swedish website Aftonbladet. “Of course, the thought occurred to me that it is the same number as (Tampa Bay Lightning captain) Victor Hedman.
“It’s a bit of a heavy number to carry. You have to do it in a good way. It’s cool.”
Edvinsson readily admits that Norris Trophy winner and multiple Stanley Cup champion Hedman is a hero of his.
“It is difficult to identify with someone who has won so much and received so many awards during an incredible career,” Edvinsson said of Hedman. “I am still very young. I would never say that I resemble Victor Hedman.
“It is still clear that I take inspiration from him. He is one of the greatest defenders we have had in Sweden.”
It’s also a sign of how the circle of hockey is ongoing. In 2009, Hedman’s NHL draft year, I had a chance to speak with him at the Stanley Cup final between Detroit and Pittsburgh. He was awestruck to be standing that close to his hockey idol, Red Wings multiple Norris Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion Nicklas Lidstrom.
Swedes Improve To 4-0
At the worlds, Edvinsson is skating in a defensive pairing with Red Wings teammate Erik Gustafsson. Neither figured in the scoring as the Swedes were improving to 4-0 with a 6-0 shutout of Latvia.
WHAT A PLAY!!!!🤑#MensWorlds #IIHF @Trekronorse pic.twitter.com/3v3Lbxe5Db
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 14, 2025
Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond collected a goal and an assist in the win. He spoke excitedly about being off to such a great start while playing on home ice in Sweden.
“It’s good,” Raymond told Aftonbladet. “I think we’ve had four good matches, not just in terms of the result but also in terms of play, so we’ll continue to build.
“Hockey is always fun, especially playing for Sweden in Sweden. It’s a source of pride.”
A gorgeous set up for Lucas Raymond! 🤩#MensWorlds #IIHF @Trekronorse pic.twitter.com/B9vGNaA2kP
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 14, 2025
Raymond has 1-4-5 totals in four games. Latvia being shutout meant that Red Wings prospect Eduards Tralmaks was held off the scoresheet for the first time in the tournament.
In another game, Red Wings 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard drew two assists as Norway was dropping a 6-5 overtime decision to the USA.
