Why did Elliotte Friedman say the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks discussed Simon Edvinsson “pretty deeply” amid NHL trade rumors

The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have held significant discussions about defenseman Simon Edvinsson, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. His latest comments have placed San Jose among the potential destinations for the unsigned restricted free agent, although a trade is far from certain.Detroit interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has previously expressed a clear desire to retain Edvinsson, while the December 1 contract deadline adds urgency to the situation.What Elliotte Friedman revealed about Simon Edvinsson’s NHL trade talksElliotte Friedman confirmed that the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have discussed Simon Edvinsson extensively, but he did not indicate that a deal was close.Speaking on Thursday's edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Friedman said the two teams had talked about Edvinsson “pretty deeply.” He also made it clear that the discussions did not guarantee a trade.“I do think that the Red Wings and the Sharks have talked about Edvinsson pretty deeply,” Friedman said.The insider added that he was unsure what San Jose was prepared to offer or whether the conversations would lead to an agreement. His comments, shared by Rinky Report on X, nevertheless identified the Sharks as a potential destination for the 23-year-old defenseman.What is Detroit’s position on Simon Edvinsson?Detroit has publicly indicated that it would prefer to keep Edvinsson rather than move him. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff made that position clear on October 14.“I have zero interest in trading Simon Edvinsson, I want to keep him,” Horcoff said, according to The Detroit Free Press reporter Helene St. James.Edvinsson was selected sixth overall by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Draft. He recorded nine goals and 25 points in 72 games during the 2025-26 season, finishing with a plus-12 rating, and his average ice time of 22:21 ranked second among Red Wings skaters, behind Moritz Seider.His importance to Detroit’s defense would make a potential departure huge. Especially as the team is still evaluating its roster.Why could the December 1 deadline affect trade talks?Edvinsson remains unsigned after completing his entry-level contract, and according to the supplied report, he must sign an NHL contract by 5 p.m. ET on December 1 to remain eligible to play during the 2026-27 season. Any team acquiring his rights would face the same deadline.That leaves Detroit with a limited window to resolve the contract situation. If negotiations remain unsuccessful, the Red Wings could consider whether a trade offers a better outcome than having the defenseman remain unavailable.San Jose also has reasons to explore the possibility. The Sharks are building around young forwards Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and Michael Misa, and adding a top-pairing left-shot defenseman could address an important roster need.However, no specific offer from San Jose has been publicly confirmed. The Boston Bruins have also been mentioned among the teams involved in discussions, while reports have suggested that as many as 10 clubs could have explored Edvinsson's availability.For now, the Detroit Red Wings' preference to retain Simon Edvinsson remains clear; whether the San Jose Sharks are willing to make an offer compelling enough to change that position is the central question surrounding these NHL trade rumors.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.