Simon Edvinsson Growing Steadily Despite Rough Griffins Season
The Grand Rapids Griffins, on paper, should dominate this season. They began with a promising roster of top-drafted players, including Simon Edvinsson, who were anticipated to be highly productive. Unfortunately for Grand Rapids, those expectations have not been fundamentally met. The Griffins hold an 11-17-1 record currently; good for last in the Central Division. However, despite the struggles of the corporate group, prospects have managed to show growth. Edvinsson specifically, has been able to manage his time and improve amidst the team-wide woes.
Edvinsson is a Bright Spot in Red Wings AHL Development
Early on in the 2022-23 season, Edvinsson did show early signs of mental and physical struggle. Coming out of the SHL, there is always an adjustment period. The ice size usually is an issue, as managing the speed and so forth. There were clear areas that needed to be addressed.
Edvinsson’s style is relaxed and patient, which did present a problem as the game sped past him initially. He is calm which manifested in an almost nonchalant attitude on the ice. He is not careless, however, the moves made had a careless nature – inadvertently no doubt. Edvinsson is a large skater – 6-ft-6 at the last measure – so body movement is a challenge. Taking into account that a large skater requires an even larger stick, overall awareness is something that must quickly be adjusted. His mental game also needed to be reigned in. He does battle with mind games and expectations. At only 19, that’s no surprise.
Related: Edvinsson Finding Balance and Identity
As the season progresses, the areas of concern are being ironed out. Gradually, he has shown great strides in a very real sense. His skating has sped up but more importantly, his ability to control the space around him efficiently. As a defenseman, there’s more coverage required so knowing how to maneuver is key. Edvinsson has done a great job getting more comfortable with stick positioning and filling those areas while maintaining control.
He’s increasing his physical game as well. Recently he’s been in the midst of a few tussles and is willing to stand up for the team. Though it’s part of the game, not all players can be taught the courage to get more in the fray. His more “chippy” approach as of late is reflective of the mental battle.
Looking to the Back Half of His Rookie Season
There is evidence of growth with Edvinsson. His physical and mental game is advancing closer to where he needs to be long-term. He’s taking shots and learning special teams responsibilities consistently. He has a ways to go yet though. Being only in his rookie season, there is a good chance he’ll need the full 3-years of his entry contract.
The biggest area of growth for him will likely continue translating the head knowledge to the ice. It’s one thing to know what needs to be done, but something entirely different to execute. Edvinsson has a firmer grasp of what his weaknesses are and has mentally gotten more resilient. He will need to continue as such. There are several other defensive prospects pushing for a place so the motivation is ever-present.
His physical body will get stronger, but he must continue to work on his awareness. Being that he has a relaxed style to start, it limits the room for error but can be adapted to a faster game.
A Worth While Season Despite Team Struggles
The team as a whole has been unable to find a unified identity or chemistry which is resulting in poor performance. The prospects however have the benefit of getting the ice time regardless of the team’s struggles. They have the opportunity to grow individually yet. In such cases, as Grand Rapids finds itself in, the prospects have even more ice time than what would be standard. Injuries and call-ups have given them more of a chance.
Edvinsson has been among those making progress. Now halfway through the season, the off-ice work is beginning to make an appearance. He has a high standard for himself and many areas to work on, but the signs are positive. Even first-round selections aren’t guaranteed a spot on the NHL club’s roster, but the work they’re willing to do will advance their chances. As far as Edvinsson is concerned, he needs time yet, but he’s proving he’s on the right track.
