Will Nicklas Lidstrom fan Simon Edvinsson be available for Red Wings?
Big defenseman Simon Edvinsson could be long gone by the time the Red Wings select at No. 6 on July 23. If he is available, he might be difficult to bypass. A big, physically strong two-way defenseman that plays with confidence and is a leader on the ice, is how NHL Central Scouting described the 6-4, 198-pound left-shooting Edvinsson. Moves the puck quickly  an excellent passer and playmaker. A hard-working competitor that never panics and makes good decisions. Calm with the puck and sees the ice well. Knows how to use his size and strength when needed. Has all the tools to become a star.  Central Scouting went as far as to compare Edvinsson to the Tampa Bay Lightnings Victor Hedman, the second pick in the 2009 draft who is arguably the best defenseman in the league. Hedman is among the group of defensemen that Edvinsson said he likes to watch, a group that includes Miro Heiskanen of Dallas, Cale Makar of Colorado and Quinn Hughes of Vancouver. But his all-time favorite, not surprisingly, is former Red Wing Nicklas Lidstrom. Hes a legend here in Sweden and I think every defender here knows who (he is), Edvinsson said. Hes a terrific guy, an easy player who makes a great effort for the team. Thats what every defender wants to achieve, being there for the team and to play easy, to be strong, aggressive win one-on-one duels, to be hard to play against. Thats what I like about him. When he played, he was a leader. Thats the GOAT.  Michigan defenseman Owen Power is widely expected to be selected first by Buffalo. Expansion Seattle picks second, followed by Anaheim, New Jersey, Columbus and Detroit. Edvinsson said he has spoken to all those teams and a few more. He also talked to Lucas Raymond, the right wing from Frolunda the Red Wings drafted fourth overall in 2020. Detroits third pick, center Theodor Niederbach, also played for Frolunda, as did 2019 picks Elmer Soderblom and Gustav Berglund. Edvinsson played 10 games for Frolundas mens team (no goals, one assist). He played 14 games each with Vasteras in Swedens second mens division and Frolundas J-20 team. Edvinsson figures to be the highest-drafted Swedish defenseman since fellow Frolunda product Rasmus Dahlin went first overall to Buffalo in 2018 and went straight to the NHL. Edvinsson said his plan for now is to further develop in 2021-22 with Frolundas mens team. That could change, however. I dont know what the team that drafts me says, but Im pretty open, Edvinsson said. I try to be as good as possible at both ends (of the ice). I try to build up so much before I go over. Of course, when I feel ready and have done that I will go over to play there if the team gives me the chance.  More: Steve Yzerman confident Red Wings will get good prospect at No. 6