The Red Wings have begun legitimate trade talks with multiple teams on Simon Edvinsson, even as they keep trying to sign him to an extension.
David Pagnotta laid out where things stand on the Barn Burner. "Yeah he prefers a trade, I don't think a formal demand has been made."
Then came the line that matters. "We're in a position now where a trade might be best."
That's a big shift from a few weeks ago, when Detroit's message was that signing him was the only priority. Now both paths are open at the same time.
Interim GM Shawn Horcoff spent last weekend canvassing the market, and the interested list keeps growing. Utah has been named among the most interested, with the Flyers, Sharks, Leafs and Oilers also linked.
Detroit has also become more flexible on the return. The Red Wings are now open to prospects, picks and young roster players, per Frank Seravalli.
Shawn Horcoff's Edvinsson decision could shape the Red Wings for years
Edvinsson, 23, is a 6-foot-6 left shot who finished +12 in each of the last two seasons. He's still in Sweden while the standoff continues.
The term gap remains the sticking point. Detroit has preferred a shorter bridge deal, while his camp has pushed for more years.
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On the ice, the Red Wings sit at 1-3-1 after a 1-0 shootout loss in Montreal on Saturday.
It's time to sell. Running parallel tracks only gives rival teams more time to wait Detroit out, and Horcoff should take the best package on the table while the market is hot.
Right now it's like a couple still going to counselling while touring separate apartments. Everyone can see where this is heading.
Dylan Larkin's situation hangs over everything too. Elliotte Friedman has suggested an Edvinsson deal could help Detroit reshape any Larkin trade.
Pagnotta said a trade "might be best." In Detroit, the conversation has shifted to how soon Edvinsson gets moved.
Should the Red Wings trade Simon Edvinsson this month?
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