Red Wings Caught Off Guard by Edvinsson's Move to Sweden

October 3, 2026 - 00:01

Shawn Horcoff says Simon Edvinsson remains a priority for the Detroit Red Wings, but the assistant general manager admitted the organization did not see the defenseman's departure for Sweden coming.

Edvinsson, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft, chose to continue his development overseas rather than stay in North America. The decision caught Detroit's front office by surprise, according to Horcoff, who described the reaction inside the organization as unexpected.

"We didn't anticipate that," Horcoff said. "We thought he was ready to take the next step here."

The young blue liner has long been viewed as a key piece of Detroit's rebuild. His size, skating and puck-moving ability made him one of the most promising prospects in the system. Losing him to the Swedish league, even temporarily, complicates the team's plans on the back end.

Horcoff stressed that the door remains open. The Red Wings still consider Edvinsson part of their future and will monitor his progress closely while he plays in Sweden. Talks between the two sides are expected to continue.

For now, Detroit must adjust its defensive depth chart and wait. The situation adds another layer of uncertainty to a roster already searching for consistency. How quickly Edvinsson returns, and in what role, could shape the team's plans for seasons to come.