Film Room: How the Red Wings' Simon Edvinsson evolved into a top-pair defenceman

Late in the second period against the Anaheim Ducks, a close-range shot hit Simon Edvinsson’s knee, sending him to the ice. Struggling, he got back up, blocked another shot, and managed to get his stick on the puck. He helped clear the zone before leaving the ice.

Injured, Edvinsson missed the third period. Detroit led 3–2 at the time and had outshot the Ducks. They went on to lose 6–4. Without him, they suffered season-altering losses against the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks, falling behind in possession and scoring chances in both games. Detroit only ended their losing streak when the defenceman returned against the Islanders a few days later.

Boasting some of the best metrics for a player at his position in the NHL, Edvinsson has thrived in his first full NHL season. He is de