A checkup on Detroit Red Wings first-rounder Simon Edvinsson

The Detroit Red Wings selected defenseman Simon Edvinsson with the sixth overall draft pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft this summer. Taking the Swedish defender at sixth was an interesting move but added another big-man to the team’s back-end.

While Edvinsson likely will not suit up in the Detroit Red Wings uniform for at least a year or two, he’s going to bring some more size and ability to the team’s defensive core. Edvinsson has not come overseas to the North American game yet, but as a sixth overall pick, he should be bringing plenty of talent to the Red Wings.

For now, he’s stationed over with Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he has not looked bad at all. He’s got one goal and 11 assists for 12 total points over 23 games played. There’s plenty to be excited about with him, even if he may not have as much offensive upside.

Edvinsson has the potential to give the Red Wings two young defensemen who can make things happen. Both of them have defensive upside, Edvinsson more than Moritz Seider, but still, there’s plenty for the Red Wings to look forward to with how Edvinsson profiles out.

Checking in on Detroit Red Wings Simon Edvinsson.

Given the stats mentioned above, Edvinsson may not be out there finding the back of the net, but he is still continuing on with his development. He’s a puck-moving defenseman whose defense usually carries his performance.

Don’t forget that Edvinsson is another big-frame guy. He’s 6-foot-5 and checks in at 207 pounds with smooth hands and a remarkable ability to move the puck and break out of the zone. He may not always be there finishing the plays off for a goal, but he’ll start the break-out and maintain stride in the transition part of the game.

He’s got fantastic hands and poise with the puck. Take a look at this clip that shows some of his highlights from overseas.

The thing with Edvinsson is that he’s getting better at the offensive side of things. While he already excels in terms of his defensive zone ability and breaking the puck out, his offense is not as highly touted.

It seems like since being drafted, and this year he has worked more to get shots on net, handle the puck more often, and create more scoring chances. But it seems that Edvinsson might just be able to tap into some more offense in due time.

At a minimum, the Red Wings have a puck-moving defenseman who’s going to join Moritz Seider in the team’s defensive core one day.