NHL insider reveals Red Wings Simon Edvinsson's next team

It’s a full-fledged, raging tire fire in Detroit. The Red Wings’ former captain was booed on opening night. Their owner was mocked with "Sell The Team" chants in Little Caesars Arena. And their interim general manager spent at least part of the weekend canvassing the league in interest on their 23-year-old unsigned defenseman.

Sources say the Utah Mammoth have emerged as one of the most eager suitors for Simon Edvinsson, who is back training in Sweden during this contract stalemate. As Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported, Edvinsson at this point prefers to be traded rather than work out a deal.

In case any Red Wings fans thought Edvinsson’s reported wish was perhaps leverage to get the two sides talking again, sources said interim GM Shawn Horcoff was making and fielding calls around the league to gauge what offers might look like, even if the team’s focus is on re-signing the 6-foot-6 defender.

"The only thing clear from our call was that it felt to me like the cost on Edvinsson is going to be very high – in both acquisition and contract to get him playing," one NHL GM said.

Interestingly, the Red Wings said with Edvinsson they are open to either future pieces in the return – such as prospects and draft picks – as well as current roster help. That is a departure from their asking price for former captain Dylan Larkin, who is missing at least the first two games of the season, as Detroit has been steadfast on immediate on-ice help.

Is it possible the Red Wings keep Edvinsson in the fold? Not the way they’re going on contract talks. According to sources with direct knowledge of the talks, the Red Wings have made Edvinsson offers of two different terms lengths with two-year and seven-year options. Both are well below market value and there has been little by way of negotiating, more of a sense of ‘take it or leave it,’ which has surprised many around the league.

That’s where the Mammoth have entered the chat. GM Bill Armstrong has vowed to take a big swing to improve Utah’s chances to contend; the Mammoth aren’t content ‘just’ to be a playoff team. If there’s one clear area for the Mammoth to level up outside of goaltending, it’s on the left side of their second pair, where Edvinsson could slot in perfectly and fit the age scheme of their forward core.

Utah is dealing from one of the most enviable positions in the sport. They have exciting young talent, a full complement of prospects, and an extra first-round pick in 2028. Center Barrett Hayton would have figured to be a prime trade chip this season but since Utah matched his offer sheet from New Jersey, they cannot trade him at any point while under this current contract.