IceMetrix posted today that the Red Wings are willing to wait until December 1st to settle the Simon Edvinsson standoff.
That's the ultimatum, and it cuts both ways. Edvinsson can't play at all this season if he doesn't sign by that date.
IceMetrix noted that Edvinsson has been "very adamant" he will not play for Detroit again, and that Detroit will wait until December 1st to get it figured out.
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For those who need to catch up, Edvinsson is a 23-year-old defenseman and the sixth overall pick in 2021. He has no games played this season, and he's listed on injured reserve with the reason given as a contract dispute, out indefinitely.
We first covered his stance when Edvinsson standing firm with Detroit broke Sunday, and the story has moved quickly since. Alex Daugherty reported Friday that he has been skating in Nashville, and the Predators are believed to be interested.
Chris Johnston also said a return to Sweden is possible if the contract talks don't move forward. So there are suitors, and there is an exit route.
Who holds the leverage before December 1st?
Detroit does, at least on paper. Edvinsson can't sign anywhere else in the NHL unless the Red Wings move him, and waiting costs the club a defenseman who played 175 NHL games and put up 60 points.
But the Red Wings aren't in a position to sit around comfortably. They're 7-8-3, 24th in the NHL, and they've lost three straight, the latest a 4-0 loss at Colorado on Saturday. A 6'6 defenseman with that pedigree would help a team giving up more goals than it scores.
My view: Detroit's patience looks like the right call on the contract, but it is costing them games they badly need. Every week without a resolution shrinks their trade market, because teams know the clock is running too.
If Edvinsson stays firm, the choice comes down to a trade or a lost season for both sides. Detroit plays at St. Louis on Tuesday, and the December 1st date will hang over the room until it's settled.
Quick hits
NEW YORK RANGERS: Rangers are eyeing two scratches in Edmonton, a lineup shake-up worth watching.
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FLORIDA PANTHERS: Rick Bowness ruled Conor Garland out for Tuesday night's Blue Jackets game against the Panthers, per DMaetzMedia. Columbus loses a key forward.
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VANCOUVER CANUCKS: Manny Malhotra confirmed that Filip Chytil and Tom Willander will sit out tonight's game against the Flyers. That's a thin night on the back end and up front.
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UTAH MAMMOTH: The Mammoth recalled defenseman Zac Jones from Tucson, with Nate Schmidt's status unclear.
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WINNIPEG JETS: Mitchell Clinton reported that Nico Daws worked in the starter's net at Jets practice today. Worth keeping an eye on.
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Should the Red Wings trade Simon Edvinsson before December 1st instead of waiting him out?
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