Simon Edvinsson Prefers Trade From Red Wings

Overview

• Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that unsigned restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson now prefers a trade after contract talks with Detroit stalled.
• Edvinsson left training camp this week and returned to Sweden to skate with his former club Frölunda while negotiations are paused.
• Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the team still views Edvinsson as a priority and that Detroit is working toward an agreement despite the player’s reported preference.
• Because Edvinsson is an RFA, Detroit still controls his NHL rights but faces the Dec. 1 offer-sheet window that could let rival clubs force a match or exact draft pick compensation.
• The situation adds to a fraught offseason for the franchise that included Dylan Larkin’s trade request and a change in general manager, and it could reshape Detroit’s top-four defense plans if the club cannot reach a long-term deal.