Detroit Red Wings Draft Big Swedish Defenseman Simon Edvinsson with the No. 6 Pick

The Detroit Red Wings used the No. 6 pick to draft 6-foot-5 Swedish left-shot defenseman Simon Edvinsson who grew up idolizing Nicklas Lidstrom

“I never met him, but I watched when he played and I watched a lot of video of him, “Edvinsson said. “I am a great fan of his and I’ve heard all of the stories.”

Edvinsson is projected to be a top pairing defenseman.  He helped Sweden win a gold medal at the World U-18 championship in 2018-19 and was a member of last year’s bronze medal-winning World Junior team.

“I just like to give the team a good effort on the ice,” Edvinsson said.

Red Line Report,  an independent scouting review, said Edvinsson “Does everything: hit, defend, make brilliant outlets with superb vision, skate the puck out on his own, generate offense at the other end.”

Edvinsson Played in the Swedish Elite League

Edvinsson played 10 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Elite League. That’s where last year’s Detroit first round pick, Lucas Raymond, played.

“Elite skating defender, extremely fluid feet, not awkward in the least, can be hard to contain once he gets moving, loves to move the puck and skate it up himself,” said Draft Prospect Hockey Director Dan Stewart.  “Aggressive and can be a risk taker, massive wing span to control the puck, big point blast, uses an active stick to defend and is willing to both take and throw a hit. (Steve) Yzerman likes his big, strong skating, two-way rearguards and likely gets a future top two pairing guy with the #6 pick.”

Here is how the top of first round unfolded:

Michigan defenseman Owen Power went  No. 1 to the Buffalo Sabres and the the Seattle Kraken took Matty Beniers who play a similar to how Seattle GM Ron Francis played when he was in the NHL.

The Anaheim Ducks took Mason MacTavish, a big center who reminds some scouts of a young Ryan Getzlaf. At No. 4. the New Jersey Devils took defenseman Luke Hughes. His brother Jack Hughes is New Jersey’s most important player.

The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed another Michigan player, Kent Johnson,  with the No. 5 pick. He has magic in his game, slick moves similar to Patrick Kane.