The Simon Edvinsson trade rumors have suddenly become much more interesting for the Detroit Red Wings.
What began as a difficult restricted-free-agent negotiation now has another layer: rival NHL teams are reportedly checking whether Detroit would ever consider moving its 23-year-old defenseman. Pierre LeBrun reported that teams have contacted the Red Wings about Edvinsson, although the message coming from Detroit is still that signing him, not trading him, remains the priority.
That distinction matters. There is no credible indication right now that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is actively shopping Edvinsson. But other teams making calls tells us something important: the rest of the league recognizes an opportunity, however small it may be.
Edvinsson has returned to Sweden while the contract stalemate continues, and reporting indicates the biggest disagreement is contract term. Detroit appears to prefer a shorter bridge-type agreement, while Edvinsson’s camp has reportedly pushed for significantly more term.
For the Red Wings, that turns what looked like an ordinary RFA negotiation into one of the most important roster decisions of their season.
Why Simon Edvinsson’s Contract Standoff Suddenly Matters More
There are several different pieces to this story that need to be separated.
Frank Seravalli has indicated the two sides don’t appear particularly close. Chris Johnston has reported Detroit has moved somewhat toward the term Edvinsson wants but remains interested primarily in a shorter contract, while Elliotte Friedman has also reported that the Red Wings have resisted giving Edvinsson significant term. David Pagnotta has reported that a maximum seven-year contract could carry an annual value somewhere in the $9 million-to-$11 million range, depending upon the structure and term.
Then came the LeBrun report about teams calling Detroit.
That’s the development that changes the conversation.
From my perspective, other general managers would be doing their teams a disservice if they weren’t calling Horcoff. Edvinsson is 23, stands 6-foot-6, shoots left and was selected sixth overall in 2021. He’s already playing major minutes and remains under team control as an RFA. PuckPedia lists him as offer-sheet eligible and without a current contract.
Those players almost never become available.
And that is precisely why Detroit should have an enormous asking price if a rival club attempts to turn a contract dispute into a trade discussion.
What Rival Teams See in Simon Edvinsson
The case for Edvinsson goes well beyond draft pedigree.
He finished last season with nine goals and 25 points in 72 games while averaging 22:21 per night, second among Detroit skaters behind Moritz Seider.
Edvinsson also recorded 148 blocked shots and 94 hits, giving Detroit a combination of size, mobility and defensive involvement that’s difficult to replace.
More interestingly, the underlying numbers moved in a positive direction.
The Stanley Cap’s five-on-five data has Edvinsson at a 51.68% expected-goals share in 2025-26, compared with 47.92% the previous season. His relative expected-goals percentage improved considerably as well.
That is important context when evaluating his contract demand. Detroit isn’t negotiating only against what Edvinsson has already done. The Red Wings are trying to determine what his prime seasons could be worth.
Simon Edvinsson Development Snapshot
Simon Edvinsson: Why His Value Is Rising
Can the Detroit Red Wings Afford an Edvinsson Extension?
The short answer is yes.
We currently list the Detroit Red Wings with approximately $16.94 million in current cap space against the $104 million ceiling. Edvinsson remains unsigned and is not currently carrying a cap hit.
Using the reported $9 million-to-$11 million range produces an interesting picture.
Detroit Salary-Cap Calculator
Detroit Red Wings — Edvinsson Cap Scenarios
To me, this makes the dispute less about whether Detroit can afford Edvinsson and more about how much long-term risk the Red Wings are prepared to assume.
A seven-year contract at today’s price could eventually become a bargain if Edvinsson develops into a legitimate top-pair defenseman. Conversely, Detroit would be locking in enormous money before he has fully established himself at that level.
That’s the gamble.
What Would Simon Edvinsson Be Worth in a Trade?
Any Edvinsson trade proposal needs to start with an important reality: Detroit has very little incentive to sell low.
Edvinsson is young, already capable of top-four minutes, cost-controlled through RFA status and plays arguably the league’s hardest position to acquire.
I’d therefore place his trade value substantially above that of a typical young second-pair defenseman.
NHLTradeRumor.com Trade Value Index
NHLTradeRumor.com Trade Value Index
A 91/100 doesn’t mean Detroit would receive a specific package. It reflects why a trade would likely require a premium young NHL player, significant futures, or a comparable cornerstone asset before the Red Wings would even have reason to listen.
And that’s why I don’t believe a trade is the most likely outcome based on the information available today.
The calls themselves are nevertheless meaningful.
They tell us opposing teams sense enough uncertainty to ask the question.
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