The Velocity Narrative: Red Wings' Edvinsson Contract Talks Reach Fever Pitch
In the high-stakes game of professional hockey, the Detroit Red Wings are about to face off against a contract conundrum that will determine the fate of star defenseman Simon Edvinsson. As the 2026-27 season approaches, the tension is palpable, and the stakes are higher than a slapshot from the point.
Edvinsson, the 6'6″ blueliner who burst onto the scene with 31 points in his rookie season, is still in limbo after his previous three-year, $5.3 million deal expired. The restricted free agent's agent, J.P. Barry, claims that negotiations have accelerated with the appointment of Shawn Horcoff as interim GM.
"We spoke (on September 15). (Horcoff) now has the authority to negotiate on behalf of the club," Barry told Swedish outlet Expressen. The agent is optimistic that an agreement can be reached before the season begins, citing the two-week window before the campaign kicks off.
The million-dollar question is how much Edvinsson's next contract will cost the Red Wings. Predictions suggest a max of seven years, with a price tag ranging from $7 million to $9 million per year. If true, the defenseman's next contract will be a max of $63 million over seven years. However, a shorter deal cannot be ruled out, especially considering the new NHL CBA going into effect on September 16.
The Red Wings, with the most available cap space in the NHL at $19.5 million, have the financial flexibility to make a splash. Horcoff can afford to pay Edvinsson, but the blueliner's price tag may have gone up in recent weeks, especially after the Vancouver Canucks recently gave fellow defenseman Zeev Buium a long-term deal worth $9.38 million AAV. The Detroit youngster and his agent could certainly push for a similar figure.
The situation has Detroit fans on edge, especially considering outside interest in Edvinsson throughout the season. However, the star defenseman recently proclaimed his love for his current city. "I love Detroit, and I love the fans," he told Aftonbladet. "I love everything here… Detroit is the place closest to my heart, absolutely."
For now, Larkin is Detroit's highest-paid player with an AAV of $8.75 million. There is a chance that Edvinsson could soon eclipse that figure, though. At worst, the blueliner will soon become a top-five paid player on the team. Regardless of his contract situation, he will take part in Red Wings training camp starting on September 17.
The contract talks between Edvinsson and the Red Wings are a high-stakes game of chess, with the blueliner's future hanging in the balance. Will the two parties reach a deal, or will the negotiations end in stalemate? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the drama will continue to unfold in the weeks leading up to the season opener. The clock is ticking, and the Red Wings are running out of time to get a deal done.
Written by: Tricky Bobbins | The Citizen Edition
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