One of the Detroit Red Wings’ top prospects and building blocks is expected to miss an extended period after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
The Detroit Red Wings announced Monday that Simon Edvinsson had successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be sidelined for 4 to 6 months. Four months will take Edvinsson to September, but there is also a chance he won’t be available until November, which leaves another hole on Detroit’s backend.
Red Wings’ prospect Simon Edvinsson will be sidelined for a while following surgery.
It’s a tough blow for Detroit Red Wings fans, eager to see the big 6-foot-4 defender and the organization’s top defense prospect making the team right from the get-go. It seems now that Edvinsson will likely begin his 2023-24 season with Grand Rapids until he can find his sea legs after probably missing training camp, the preseason schedule, and potentially more.
Edvinsson, 20, had been recalled by the Red Wings this past March, where he appeared in nine games for Detroit. The cup of coffee was beneficial for the young defender allowing him to get a taste of the NHL level as he will need to continue to adapt to the pace of play, yet did not burn the first of three years of his Entry-Level Contract.
Following the season, Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde mentioned (like all of us) that he expected Edvinsson to push for a roster spot this summer.
“I saw growth and optimism. It’s tough not to get excited with what we saw in those nine games. I certainly hope he’s going to be pushing for a spot on the team.”
The 20-year-old scored a pair of goals over the nine games in Detroit, and after beginning on the Red Wings’ third pairing, worked his way to the second unit, often paired with veteran Ben Chiarot. Edvinsson skated to a minus-7 rating while playing just over 17 minutes per night.
Edvinssson played 52 games this season, with the Griffins scoring five goals, totaling 27 points in his season playing in North America. Last year, Edvinsson totaled a pair of goals and 19 points in 44 games with Frolunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League.
The injury is unfortunate but opens up a spot for another prospect like William Wallinder or Albert Johansson to try and seize the opportunity.