The absence of rookie Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson has been obvious in the last several games, as the team has lost all three games that he's been unavailable from the opening faceoff.
He was hurt in the 1st period of Detroit's win over the Philadelphia Flyers, and hasn't played since.
The good news for the Red Wing is that Edvinsson was on the ice for this morning's skate at Little Caesars Arena ahead of tonight's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00 PM, FanDuel Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket).
Additionally, the Red Wings have announced that they've taken him off Injured Reserve, where he was placed last week retroactive to December 18.
Edvinsson has 13 points (3G, 10) in 30 games, his 1st full NHL season.
Tonight will mark the debut of Todd McLellan as the new Red Wings head coach; he was officially hired by general manager Steve Yzerman along with assistant coach Trent Yawney yesterday.
According to McLellan, both Edvinsson and Ben Chiarot, who was hurt during Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, are expected to play against the Leafs.
The Red Wings also dismissed now-former head coach Derek Lalonde along with assistant coach Bob Boughner after a rough 13-17-4 beginning to this year.
Red Wings players displayed far too many of the habits that hindered their success under Lalonde, including slow starts to games, lackluster defensive play, and a seeming lack of focus and connection with one another.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 129 ANSWERS Latest critical update on injured Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson has been released Just how big of a boost will the return of Simon Edvinsson to the Red Wings' lineup be? | ||
Huge | 97 | 75.2 % |
Meh | 32 | 24.8 % |
List of polls |