Red Wings send former sixth overall pick to AHL

After playing nine games with the Detroit Red Wings, Simon Edvinsson returns to the minor leagues. By sending him down now, the team will avoid burning the first year of his entry-level contract. In his place, the team has recalled Danny O’Regan under emergency conditions.

Edvinsson, 20, is in his first year of North American hockey, spending most of the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. In 51 AHL contests, the 2021 sixth overall pick recorded 27 points, and generally showed off the top-pairing potential many have tabbed him with.

In nine games with Detroit, the young defender managed to score two goals but was caught behind the speed of the NHL at times, resulting in six minor penalties. He has plenty of time to adjust to that transition as he prepares to battle for a full-time spot next fall.

The Red Wings’ season has not gone according to plan, as they find themselves seventh in the Atlantic Division, well out of a playoff spot. It appeared at times like they were turning a corner on the rebuild, but ended up selling some key pieces at the deadline.

Now, after giving Edvinsson and other young players like Marco Kasper a taste of the NHL, they’ll try to position themselves as a playoff contender for 2023-24.