Red Wings open to long-term deal with Simon Edvinsson

The Detroit Red Wings are trying a new strategy in an effort to get Simon Edvinsson under contract.

After initially looking for a bridge deal with the restricted-free-agent defenceman, the Red Wings have now made some longer-term offers, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast on Monday.

"I do think one of the things that's happened in this is that Detroit has moved off the bridge," Friedman said. "I think they're agreeable to a bridge, but I think they've also made some longer-term offers. I would assume it's not five years because that would tie him up with (fellow defenceman Moritz) Seider and I don't think they'd want Seider and Edvinsson up in the same year., but I do think they've made other offers."

Friedman reported Saturday that Edvinsson would prefer a trade from Detroit.

Edvinsson did report to camp, instead returning last week to Sweden where he has been skating.

"Detroit has maintained in last couple days that they're going to going to sign Edvinsson and they're going to get this done," Friedman said. "But I also do believe, and there are practical reasons for this, that they have gauged his market."

The Red Wings also are dealing with a messy situation with former captain Dylan Larkin, who has requested a trade.

It comes after a summer in which Steve Yzerman stepped down as GM. The club has not named a full-time replacement, promoting Shawn Horcoff to the interim GM role in mid-September.

During the home opener Friday, fans booed the injured Larkin during pre-game introductions and directed "sell the team" chants towards owner Chris Ilitch. 

Detroit has been at "a standstill" with Larkin, Friedman said. But with the Edvinsson situation now in the spotlight, there is another option for Horcoff.

"What if you've suddenly been handed an opportunity to do two trades that could remake your team and make your players happy?" Friedman said.