Simon Edvinsson has left Sweden, and the Red Wings, Shawn Horcoff and every team chasing the young defenceman are paying close attention.
Chris Johnston reported that Edvinsson is making his way back to North America. It isn't necessarily a sign of a contract breakthrough, but Johnston said it "does symbolize some good things."
Part of the reason is practical. Johnston noted he's coming back partly to work with a North American trainer.
That detail matters. A player planning to stay away indefinitely doesn't usually rearrange his training to be closer to the NHL.
The standoff has dragged on all fall. Detroit has preferred a shorter bridge deal, while his camp has pushed for more term.
At the same time, the Red Wings have opened legitimate trade talks with multiple teams, and Edvinsson has reportedly said he prefers a trade.
Shawn Horcoff's Edvinsson decision moves closer to home
Utah has been named among the most interested teams, with Philadelphia, San Jose, Toronto and Edmonton also linked. Detroit is open to prospects, picks and young roster players in return.
Horcoff just locked up Alex DeBrincat for seven years at a $13,000,000 cap hit. Whether Edvinsson gets the same kind of commitment is now the central question.
The Red Wings are 1-3-2 after a 5-4 overtime loss to New Jersey. They need answers on the ice and in the front office.
This is the moment to settle it. With Edvinsson back on this side of the ocean, Horcoff should either close a deal this month or take the best trade offer and move on.
It's like a tenant who moved out coming back to pick up the mail. Maybe he's staying, maybe he's just collecting what's his.
Detroit hosts Philadelphia on Thursday. The defenceman won't be in the lineup, but he'll be a lot closer to it.
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Johnston called it a good sign. In a saga this tangled, good signs are rare enough that Detroit should grab this one before it slips away.
Will Simon Edvinsson sign with the Red Wings now that he's back in North America?
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