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Simon Edvinsson #77 of the Detroit Red Wings against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena on April 13, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Detroit Red Wings are checking one of their biggest offseason priorities off the list by working on a new deal for restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson. The young defenseman proved to be a cornerstone of Detroit’s blue line during the 2025-26 NHL season, making his contract status an intriguing storyline moving forward.Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have been rumoured to be linked to Edvinsson as they consider possible defensive additions. The speculation comes on the heels of insider comments that Carolina could be in a position to watch things if contract talks between the player and the Red Wings become more complicated.
How Simon Edvinsson of the Carolina Hurricanes catches the eye of NHL free agency
Simon Edvinsson is reportedly being eyed by the Carolina Hurricanes as NHL restricted free agency rolls on.
If Carolina would like to add to its defence group, Edvinsson would be a good fit, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast. The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout season playing alongside Moritz Seider to help form one of the NHL’s most promising defensive pairings.At this point, there’s no indication that Detroit is shopping Edvinsson. As a restricted free agent, the Red Wings have a lot of control over his contract future as negotiations continue.
| Category | Details |
| Player | Simon Edvinsson |
| Current Team | Detroit Red Wings |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Shoots | Left |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Birthplace | Kungsbacka, Sweden |
| Age | Born on February 5, 2003 |
| Draft Information | Selected 6th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. |
| NHL Status | Restricted free agent during the 2026 NHL offseason. |
| Contract Situation | Negotiating a new contract with the Detroit Red Wings, who retain his negotiating rights as a restricted free agent. |
| Breakout Season | Established himself as Detroit's top-pair defenseman during the 2025–26 NHL season. |
| Defensive Partner | Frequently paired with Moritz Seider on Detroit's top defensive unit. |
| Reported Interested Team | Carolina Hurricanes have been linked by an insider as a team monitoring his contract situation. |
| Insider Report | Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned Simon Edvinsson as a potential Carolina Hurricanes target on the 32 Thoughts podcast. |
| Why Carolina Hurricanes Are Interested | Edvinsson's size, mobility, puck-moving ability and two-way game make him a strong fit within Carolina's defensive system. |
| Detroit Red Wings' Priority | Re-signing Simon Edvinsson remains one of the organization's biggest offseason objectives. |
| Carolina Hurricanes Challenge | Any potential move would require navigating restricted free agency rules while Detroit retains matching rights. |
| Playing Style | Mobile, puck-moving defenseman known for strong skating, defensive reach, transition play and offensive upside. |
| Potential Impact | Securing Edvinsson would strengthen Carolina's blue line, while retaining him remains vital to Detroit's long-term defensive core. |
| NHL Storyline | Simon Edvinsson's contract negotiations have become one of the most closely followed restricted free agent developments of the 2026 NHL offseason. |
Why Simon Edvinsson remains Detroit Red Wings' top contract priority
The Detroit Red Wings are expected to focus on signing Simon Edvinsson before making any other major decisions concerning their roster.The Red Wings entered the offseason with plenty of salary-cap space, but general manager Steve Yzerman has always been a disciplined player when it comes to long-term contracts. But following Edvinsson’s impressive development, many around the league believe he has put himself in line for a big new deal that reflects his growing importance.His ability to come into any situation and play well with Moritz Seider has helped solidify Detroit’s defensive foundation moving forward.
What Carolina Hurricanes interest could mean for NHL negotiations
The fact the Carolina Hurricanes are interested doesn’t necessarily mean a move is imminent, but it does underscore the increasing value of Simon Edvinsson around the NHL.General manager Eric Tulsky is known for creative roster building, and that has fuelled speculation that the defending Stanley Cup champions could explore multiple options to strengthen their defence.
But any pursuit would depend on Detroit’s willingness to negotiate, and that does not appear to be the case at this point.If contract talks fall apart unexpectedly, the Red Wings are in the best position to lock up Edvinsson long-term. For the moment, the interest reported is another reminder that one of the NHL’s rising defensemen has become a name many are looking for in this offseason’s NHL trade rumours, NHL news roundup and NHL updates.
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