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) Restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson is drawing interest from around the NHL, and the Detroit Red Wings could soon face another big decision in the offseason. There’s no offer sheet signed yet, but according to league sources, there’s still a real possibility after the shifting market this summer.Much of the speculation has been focused on the Carolina Hurricanes, a franchise known for its creative approach to roster building. Detroit still has Edvinsson’s restricted free agent rights, but a long-term deal would remove some of the uncertainty before another team can get involved.
Carolina Hurricanes linked with Simon Edvinsson by NHL insiders
According to NHL insiders, the Carolina Hurricanes could be a suitor if Simon Edvinsson stays unsigned.And in recent offseason talk, Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Carolina could explore making a move for Edvinsson, especially if the organization loses restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin. And there’s another NHL offer sheet “very real,” as Jeff Marek has written, adding more focus to Detroit’s talks.It’s a reputation the ‘Canes have earned, looking for unique ways to upgrade their roster, and it makes them a logical team to keep an eye on if Edvinsson’s contract talks drag on.CategoryDetailsPlayerSimon EdvinssonCurrent TeamDetroit Red WingsPositionDefensemanShootsLeftHeight6 ft 6 in (198 cm)NationalitySwedishBirthplaceKungsbacka, SwedenAgeBorn on February 5, 2003Draft InformationSelected 6th overall in the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.Development PathDeveloped with Frölunda HC in Sweden before transitioning to North America and establishing himself as a top-four NHL defenseman.Contract StatusRestricted free agent after receiving a qualifying offer from the Detroit Red Wings during the 2026 NHL offseason.Main Concern for DetroitThe Red Wings want to secure Simon Edvinsson to a long-term extension before another team attempts an offer sheet.Projected Contract ValueIndustry projections place a long-term extension in the $8.7 million AAV range if negotiations result in a premium contract.Offer Sheet RiskModerate to High — NHL insiders believe another offer sheet remains a realistic possibility following the Philadelphia Flyers’ move for Leo Carlsson.Teams Linked to Offer Sheet InterestCarolina Hurricanes have been linked by NHL insiders, while other cap-rich clubs could also monitor the situation.Why Carolina Hurricanes Are InterestedSimon Edvinsson would strengthen Carolina’s defensive group, particularly if the club loses restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin.Playing StyleMobile two-way defenseman known for strong skating, puck movement, defensive reach, and the ability to log heavy minutes.2025-26 NHL SeasonAppeared in 72 games, recording 9 goals and 16 assists for 25 points, while averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per game.Career NHL ProductionThrough 175 NHL games, Simon Edvinsson has totaled 19 goals and 41 assists.Injury UpdateUnderwent surgery during the 2025-26 season but returned before the regular season concluded.Arbitration StatusDid not file for salary arbitration, leaving him eligible to sign an offer sheet from another NHL team.Why Offer Sheets Are Back in FocusThe Philadelphia Flyers’ successful offer sheet for Leo Carlsson has renewed league-wide interest in using offer sheets to acquire elite restricted free agents.Potential Outcome for DetroitThe Red Wings can match any qualifying offer sheet or receive draft-pick compensation if they decline to match.League-Wide ImpactSimon Edvinsson’s contract negotiations have become one of the NHL offseason’s most closely watched restricted free agent storylines and could shape future offer sheet strategies.
Why are Detroit Red Wings prioritizing Simon Edvinsson’s extension?
Simon Edvinsson is a cornerstone for Detroit’s defensive future. The 23-year-old defenseman continued his development in the 2025-26 NHL season, putting up career highs offensively while consistently playing more than 21 minutes per game. Edvinsson has become one of the franchise’s top young defensemen along with Moritz Seider.Detroit offered him a qualifying offer to retain his restricted free agent rights, which means the club can match any offer sheet he might receive from another team.
How could an offer sheet affect Detroit Red Wings plans?
An offer sheet would be a test of Detroit’s offseason plan, but it wouldn’t be a guarantee that Simon Edvinsson leaves.Restricted free agents aren’t as free. If their current club matches an offer sheet, they remain under team control. The Red Wings also have enough of a salary-cap cushion to match a competitive offer sheet.With offer sheets becoming more common around the NHL following Philadelphia’s aggressive pursuit of Leo Carlsson, Detroit’s best course of action will likely be to get a long-term deal done before another franchise does it themselves. Over the next few weeks, the Red Wings could either end the speculation or set the stage for one of the biggest contract battles of the offseason.