The Detroit Red Wings selected eight players during two days of the NHL Entry Draft that concluded Saturday afternoon. The draft was held via video conference call for the second year in a row due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This year, Detroit selected three defensemen, four forwards and one goalie. Two of the draft picks were from Sweden, three from USA and three from Canada. Only time will tell how good the draft was for the Red Wings, but early indications suggest once again that General Manager Steve Yzerman made some shrewd selections.
Here is a look at the eight players selected by Detroit.
Simon Edvinsson
Round 1, #6 Overall
Position: LD
2021 Team: Frolunda J20 Nationell
GP: 14
G: 1
A: 5
PTS: 6
Analysis
Detroit looked towards Sweden once again for their first of two first round selections. Simon Edvinsson was the first European selected in the draft. Edvinsson began the year playing for Frolunda in Sweden’s top junior league. When the season was cancelled due to the pandemic, he moved up to play for Frolunda in the SHL. Playing an average of just over five minutes a game, Edvinsson recorded one assist in 10 games.
Edvinsson was then loaned to Vasteras (HockeyAllsvenskan) where he played more minutes and accumulated five assists in 14 games. Edvinsson also represented Sweden at the World U18 Championships where he scored four points in seven games. Look for Edvinsson to move up and play full-time with Frolunda (SHL) next year. Edvinsson should also have an important role on Sweden’s World Junior Championship team at Christmas.