Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson vying for NHL roster spot in 2022-23

DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman prospect Simon Edvinsson is aware of the high expectations surrounding him.

And while the 19-year-old is anxious to prove himself in North America, he's not letting the hype distract him.
"I've heard it and what's being said," said Edvinsson, who was Detroit's sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. "But it's positive because you want to take a (roster) place and make things happen for the team. You want to be part of the team and you want to help the team win the Stanley Cup."

Edvinsson made an impact for Frolunda HC's Swedish Hockey League team in 2021-22, tallying two goals and 17 assists in 44 games while finishing as an SHL Rookie of the Year finalist.
"You always need to have those (experiences), especially if you're gonna take a place in the roster," Edvinsson said. "The SHL is a hard league. There's a lot of good players and hard games."
When asked where he felt he improved last season, Edvinsson believes he is a better defensive player.
"I had a great mentor in Sweden," Edvinsson said. "Christian Folin, who is a former NHL player, helped me a lot with defensive work, how to think in all situations and how to build muscle to be able to compete against those guys."
On July 14, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said he met with the 6-foot-4, 198-pound prospect during Detroit's 2022 Development Camp, adding that he was impressed with Edvinsson's size.
"We'll see how he does, but seeing him in development camp, he's obviously very tall, very thick," Yzerman said. "It's the first time I've gotten to meet him since the draft. He's thicker than I expected, in a good way. He looks very strong. His skating is excellent. We're optimistic."

Edvinsson will have another opportunity to showcase his strength when he represents his native Sweden at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship from Aug. 9-20 in Edmonton.
"If he's ready to play a regular role, that would be great," Yzerman said. "We'll let the whole thing play itself out, but the World Juniors will be a great steppingstone coming into training camp to try to make an impression and earn a spot on the team."
The Red Wings intend to give Edvinsson his chance to make their Opening Night roster in October. But he knows he must work hard and perform during training camp and the preseason to show he belongs in Detroit.
"It motivates you more," Edvinsson said. "It's going to be harder if you want to take that roster (spot). You need to work hard because there's great defensemen in the lineup."