Unsigned Red Wings Star Simon Edvinsson Spotted Skating in Nashville

Unsigned Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson was spotted skating Thursday at the Nashville Predators' practice facility.

The video was posted to Instagram by Dustin Smith, a former Predators practice goaltender.

The Tennessean identified the rink as Centennial Ice Rink, which the Predators list as their official practice facility.

Edvinsson is wearing Red Wings gear in the clip.

The Predators had an answer ready when asked why Edvinsson was on their ice.

A team spokesperson told the Tennessean that Thursday's session was a "private ice rental."

The spokesperson added that the Predators "would not comment on any other team's players."

Edvinsson still has no contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

He is a restricted free agent.

TSN reported that he has to be under contract by Dec. 1 or he is not eligible to play in the NHL this season.

That deadline is less than four weeks away.

Edvinsson played 72 games for the Red Wings last season.

He scored nine goals with 16 assists and a plus-12 rating.

He was selected sixth overall by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Draft.

At 6-foot-6 and 23 years old, he is viewed as one of the league's better two-way defensemen.

Edvinsson reported to Training Camp in September and participated in non-scrimmage on-ice drills.

Frustrated by the lack of progress on a new contract, he returned to his native Sweden.

He eventually returned to the Eastern seaboard of the United States to work with a trainer.

Now he has been seen skating in Nashville.

There is a simpler explanation for his presence in the city.

Edvinsson is represented by CAA.

The Tennessean noted that the agency has offices in Nashville.

That gives him a reason to be in the city that has nothing to do with the Predators' blue line.

A rink the Predators rent out is still a rink.

But the timing has raised eyebrows across the league.

In his most recent press availability session, Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said there were no new updates regarding progress on a new contract.

Horcoff called the situation "status quo."

Weeks prior, while discussing the extension for forward Alex DeBrincat, Horcoff said in no uncertain terms that he has zero intention of trading Edvinsson.

He said the club would like to get him signed to a new deal.

Nashville is one of the teams that has been connected to Edvinsson in trade speculation.

The Tennessean reported the Predators have been among the clubs rumored to have interest.

TSN reported Oct. 30 that as many as 10 teams had talked to Detroit about Edvinsson.

The San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins were the two named in that report.

The Montreal Canadiens have also been linked to Edvinsson.

The Fourth Period reported Tuesday that the Canadiens are among multiple teams apparently connected to the Red Wings defenseman.

Montreal was mentioned alongside the Blues, Predators, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Kraken, Flyers, Bruins and Sharks.

The Canadiens sit second in the Atlantic Division with a 9-3-3 record.

Detroit is 19th in the league at 7-6-3.

Nashville would almost certainly have to give up a young center or draft picks to pry Edvinsson away.

Prospects like Wyatt Cullen or Aiden Fink are the sort of names Detroit would ask about in that conversation.

No specific trade package has been reported.

Edvinsson is listed on injured reserve because of the contract dispute.

He has not played a single game this season.

Like his former captain Dylan Larkin, Edvinsson has reportedly asked the Wings to trade him, according to Montreal Hockey Fanatics citing The Fourth Period.

Larkin himself has been the subject of trade speculation.