The situation between restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson and the Detroit Red Wings has reached a breaking point. As NHLRumors.com documented last week, Edvinsson and his camp were frustrated over contract negotiations. Former GM Steve Yzerman offered him less than half of Zeev Buium’s $9.38 million AAV from the Vancouver Canucks. So if half is $4.69 million, then it was less than that on the bridge deal.
Priority Number One for Detroit Red Wings: Sign Simon Edvinsson
After returning to Sweden from training camp without a contract and going against some better advice, Simon Edvinsson is so frustrated that he prefers a trade over signing an extension with the Detroit Red Wings, according to Elliotte Friedman during Saturday Headlines on Sportsnet’s Saturday Night Hockey.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
Elliotte Friedman: “So there have been a number of unsettled situations around the National Hockey League. I want to make it very clear before I start on this one, the team and the agents are not talking (to the media). But there is word today around the league that unsigned Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade from the Red Wings.
He went to camp with no contract. On the eve of the season, he went back to Sweden, where he’s skating now. Now I understand the Red Wings have made it clear to other teams that their priority is still to sign him. That is their number one goal. But apparently, his frustration at the entire situation has led him to indicate he would prefer a trade.
We’ll see how this develops over the next few days. The other situations: Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, nothing new. Edvinsson, the one, has been heating up over the last couple of days.”
What Direction Will the Detroit Red Wings Choose; Rebuild or Stay the Course?
That is now two trade requests for players inside the Red Wings organization. Owner Chris Ilitch’s handling of things since Steve Yzerman’s dismissal has led to chaos and dysfunction. If Shawn Horcoff had been given the Interim GM tag in July, maybe Edvinsson would already be signed. But he had no power in July and only got that right before training camp after Ilitch’s first choice, Jeff Greenberg, stayed with the Detroit Tigers.
Plenty of suitors will be after Simon Edvinsson now that he is on the trade market. Remember, teams trading for him will have to sign him to an extension on top of giving up assets. He is looking for a long-term deal worth $9 million to $11 million.
It is a situation worth watching in Detroit as things have escalated quickly. As the old saying goes, handle your business before someone else does.
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