Detroit Red Wings select defenseman Simon Edvinsson no. 6 overall

There are not many guarantees in life but death, taxes, and the Detroit Red Wings loving Swedish defenders.  The Detroit Red Wings selected Simon Edvinsson with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Level Draft.

I know what you are thinking.  Nicklas Lidstrom, right?  I hate to break it to you, but there is only one Nick Lidstrom.  Let’s hope Edvinsson is a mix of Jonathan Ericsson’s size and Niklas Kronwall’s tenacity.

The newly drafted Edvinsson spoke highly of former Detroit Red Wings legend Nick Lidstrom earlier in the summer.

"“He’s a legend here in Sweden,” Edvinsson said. “Every defender knows who he is. He’s a terrific guy, he makes great effort for team. When he played, he was a leader, and that’s the goal.”"

What the Detroit Red Wings should expect from Simon Edvinsson.

Edvinsson is a large body standing 6-foot-5 and roughly 200-pounds at just 18-years old.  The left-handed shot may have a future playing with a former Detroit Red Wings sixth overall pick from the 2019 NHL Entry Level Draft.

I can only expect Detroit Red Wings general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman envisions Edvinsson being paired with the 6-foot-3 right-handed shot, Moritz Seider, in a few years from now.  Both defenders have drawn comparisons to Victor Hedman, the sensational defenseman in Tampa Bay.

The Detroit Red Wings have needs throughout their roster, and Yzerman is clearly focused on shoring up the backend for the future using a pair of premium picks on defensemen in the past few drafts with forward Lucas Raymond sandwiched in the middle.

Edvinsson seems poised to be more of a defensive defenseman rather than an offensive force.  Seider is expected to be a bit more rounded, so perhaps the future top pairing will complement one another nicely.

The newly selected defender split time last season between Frolunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League, recording one assist in 10 contests while skating to a minus -3 rating, and Vasteras IK, basically the AHL of Sweden.  With Vasteras, Edvinsson recorded 5 assists in 14 games.

The Detroit Red Wings also possess the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Level Draft via the Washington Capitals.  The pick came to Detroit in the Anthony Mantha deal.