Simon Edvinsson has put Todd McLellan and the Detroit Red Wings under pressure as rival clubs circle their unsigned defenceman.
Jeff Marek described the possibility of an Edvinsson offer sheet as very real, turning a contract negotiation into a threat Detroit can't ignore.
Elliotte Friedman connected the Carolina Hurricanes to Edvinsson, especially if Carolina loses Alexander Nikishin and needs another major piece on the blue line.
The fit is easy to understand. Edvinsson can skate pucks out of pressure, defend with reach and handle the type of minutes contenders rarely find on the open market.
Detroit tendered him a qualifying offer, preserving its rights. But Edvinsson remains eligible to sign an offer sheet because he didn't elect salary arbitration.
That decision doesn't prove another club will strike. It does keep the door open while negotiations between Edvinsson and the Red Wings remain unfinished.
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A growing offer sheet threat has NHL insiders paying close attention
Edvinsson played 72 games last season and produced 9 goals. He also added 16 assists, setting a career high with 25 points.
His value stretches well beyond the scoresheet. Edvinsson has moved into a major role behind Moritz Seider and gives McLellan another defender capable of handling tough matchups.
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Carolina's interest would bring real pressure because the Hurricanes have shown a willingness to pursue aggressive roster solutions. An offer sheet could force Detroit into an immediate decision.
Matching would keep an important part of the Red Wings' core in place. Declining would bring draft-pick compensation, but it would also create a major opening on the blue line.
The larger danger is losing control of the contract structure. A rival club could set the salary, term and signing bonuses, leaving Detroit to accept the deal or let Edvinsson walk.
Detroit has room to respond financially, which may discourage some teams. But offer sheets aren't always designed only to acquire the player; they can also squeeze another club's cap planning.
That's why waiting carries risk. Every day without an extension gives Carolina or another interested team more time to build an offer that Edvinsson would consider signing.
The Red Wings have spent years developing Edvinsson into a top-four defender. Letting an outside club dictate his next contract would turn a routine offseason priority into a damaging front-office test.
Source : Insiders sound the alarm on a very real new offer sheet threat!
Should Detroit match any offer sheet Simon Edvinsson signs?
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