One of the top prospects in hockey could make his Red Wings debut this weekend at Little Caesars Arena.
The Wings have called up defenseman Simon Edvinsson under emergency conditions in the wake of a week-to-week upper-body injury to Ben Chiarot.
Edvinsson, who's been playing better and better with the AHL Griffins in his first pro season in North America, could step into Detroit's lineup Saturday afternoon against the Stanley Cup-champion Avalanche.
Drafted sixth overall in 2021, Edvinsson has the size (6'6, 210 lbs.) and skating ability to thrive in the NHL. He also has offensive touch. His 22 assists and 27 points this season rank first among Griffins defensemen.
With the Red Wings fading from the playoff race and Edvinsson thriving in the AHL, it's a good time to give the 20-year-old a look. He can play nine games in the NHL before burning a year of his entry-level contract.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said earlier this month that a potential call-up for Edvinsson would be "dependent on (whether) he plays well enough for us to think it’s worth taking a look at him or if he can help our team."
"He’s going to have to play well enough for us to decide we want to see him in the NHL," said Yzerman.
It appears Edvinsson has done that.
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