Simon Edvinsson negotiations see Red Wings pivot to long‑term deal

The Detroit Red Wings have adjusted their contract approach with restricted free agent defenceman Simon Edvinsson. After initially targeting a bridge deal, the club has now presented long-term offers to the young blueliner, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported on the 32 Thoughts podcast Monday.

Red Wings shift away from bridge deal for Edvinsson

Friedman said Detroit is no longer locked in on a short-term agreement for Edvinsson. "Detroit has moved off the bridge," he noted, adding that management remains open to a bridge contract but has also put multi‑year proposals on the table.

He indicated he does not expect a five‑year term because that would line up Edvinsson’s next expiry with fellow defenceman Moritz Seider, something the organization would prefer to avoid for cap‑management reasons. No specific term lengths or dollar figures have been disclosed.

Edvinsson, who holds restricted free agent status, would rather be traded out of Detroit, according to Friedman’s earlier reporting. Despite that preference, he did report to Red Wings training camp before returning to Sweden last week, where he has continued skating.

Market checked as Detroit insists deal will get done

In recent days, Friedman said, Detroit has consistently expressed confidence it will sign Edvinsson and resolve the standoff. At the same time, the club has tested his trade market, gauging what level of interest and return might exist around the league. Friedman framed that as a practical step rather than a signal that a deal is imminent.

The Edvinsson negotiations are unfolding against a backdrop of broader instability in Detroit. The organization is coming off a summer in which Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager. A permanent replacement has yet to be named, with Shawn Horcoff elevated to interim GM in mid‑September.

Larkin trade request adds pressure on Horcoff

On top of the Edvinsson file, Horcoff is dealing with a complicated situation involving former captain Dylan Larkin, who has requested a trade. Friedman described talks with Larkin’s camp as being at a standstill, with no significant movement to report.

Fan frustration was evident during Friday’s home opener. Larkin, currently injured, was loudly booed during pre‑game introductions, and chants of "sell the team" were directed at owner Chris Ilitch from the stands.

With both Edvinsson and Larkin in flux, Friedman suggested the Red Wings may have a rare opportunity in front of them. If Detroit chooses the trade route on one or both players, it could reshape the roster and potentially ease some of the tension surrounding the team, while a long‑term commitment to Edvinsson would signal a bet on him as part of the club’s core going forward.