Simon Edvinsson Trade Request Deepens Detroit Red Wings Turmoil
Simon Edvinsson wants a trade away from the Detroit Red Wings, following a contract stalemate that mirrors the offseason departure demand of former teammate Dylan Larkin. Sportsnet reported late Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, that the 23-year-old restricted free agent’s patience with the franchise has run out, capping a tumultuous summer that already featured front-office upheaval and public fan unrest.
The 6-foot-6 defenseman returned to Sweden after failing to reach an agreement before the start of the regular season, despite skating daily during training camp. The Red Wings opened their 2026-27 campaign with a 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers on Oct. 2 at Little Caesars Arena, where fans chanted for owner Chris Ilitch to sell the team just months after long-time general manager Steve Yzerman departed in mid-July.
Contract Stalemate Triggers Swedish Departure
Edvinsson’s path toward a trade request unfolded across the summer and fall as contract talks failed to bridge the gap. Drafted sixth overall in 2021, the young blueliner posted nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points across 72 games during the 2025-26 season, cementing himself as a core pillar of the team’s top-four defense corps.
To participate in training camp without a contract, Edvinsson arranged for his own insurance coverage. While he skated and practiced daily, he sat out all preseason games and scrimmages. When the exhibition schedule wrapped up without a deal in place, he packed his bags and flew back to Sweden. Detroit Free Press reported that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff met with select reporters on Friday, Oct. 3, hours before the season opener, admitting he did not expect the player to leave.
We’re doing everything we can, working closely with the agents,
Horcoff said, according to the Detroit Free Press. He’s a big part of the club and we’d like to get him signed, but the details of the negotiation we’ll keep private out of respect for Simon and his group, and we can comment on all that when it’s all said and done.
Horcoff added that Edvinsson’s mid-camp exit caught management off guard. I didn’t expect that,
Horcoff said, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. Of course it’s disappointing when he went back, but, he’s a priority for us.
Edvinsson’s agent, J.P. Barry, declined to comment when contacted by the Free Press.
Fan Backlash Follows Front Office Turmoil
The trade request compounds a brutal stretch for an Original Six franchise mired in a decade-long playoff drought. The organization’s summer unraveling began with the revelation that Larkin wanted out after 11 years with the club. Detroit subsequently parted ways with Yzerman as general manager in mid-July.
Frustration boiled over during the home opener against the Rangers. Minutes into the contest, home fans broke out into loud chants of sell the team,
directing their anger squarely at Ilitch. Larkin, stripped of his captaincy, spent the game as a healthy scratch on non-roster injured reserve while trade scenarios swirl around both disgruntled stars.
Trade Scenarios and Roster Ramifications
As speculation mounts, external analysts have begun piecing together potential landing spots for Detroit’s disgruntled pair. Sports Yahoo reported on a prominent trade pitch circulating on PuckGM that would ship both Larkin and Edvinsson to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a package featuring defenseman Cameron York, forward Noah Cates, unsigned prospect Jack Nesbitt, and a 2027 first-round pick.
Such a deal highlights the steep price required to acquire assets of Edvinsson and Larkin’s caliber, though obstacles remain regarding trade clauses and contract demands. Reports from The Hockey News indicate Edvinsson is seeking a seven-year deal carrying an annual value between $9 million and $11 million. Under NHL rules highlighted by Pro Hockey Rumors, if the defenseman remains unsigned or is not moved in a sign-and-trade by Dec. 1, he will be ineligible to play during the 2026-27 season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Edvinsson Situation
What deadline does Simon Edvinsson face to play this season?
According to Pro Hockey Rumors, Edvinsson must sign a contract or be traded in a sign-and-trade deal by Dec. 1, or he will be barred from playing in the NHL for the 2026-27 season.
How did Simon Edvinsson perform statistically last season?
During the 2025-26 NHL season, Edvinsson recorded nine goals and 16 assists for a total of 25 points across 72 games as a top-four defenseman for Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press.
When did Shawn Horcoff address the media regarding the contract talks?
Detroit interim general manager Shawn Horcoff addressed select reporters on Friday, Oct. 3, 2026, just hours before the team’s regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.
What financial terms is Edvinsson reportedly seeking in negotiations?
The Hockey News reported that Edvinsson is looking for a long-term commitment spanning seven years with an average annual value between $9 million and $11 million.
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