Red Wings’ Simon Edvinsson to benefit from playoff games with Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings were pleased by how young defenseman Simon Edvinsson handled playing in pressure-packed games during a playoff run that fell just short.

The 6-6 former No. 6 pick will get an opportunity to play more important games with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL playoffs after being reassigned on Wednesday, along with veteran forward Zach Aston-Reese.

Edvinsson, 21, appeared in 14 games after being recalled on March 19. He played a top-four role, paired with Jeff Petry, and averaged 18:46 in ice time (one goal, no assists, even plus-minus rating, two penalty minutes).

“His play has been a huge bright spot in this stretch,” coach Derek Lalonde said on Monday. “We talk of the importance of these meaningful games late in the season for everyone, especially for someone like that who joined us post-(trade) deadline. Huge for him. We’ve asked a lot of him. We’ve played him in our top four, matching up against top-six opponents, especially Toronto (last Saturday), that’s a different animal top six. He handled himself extremely well.”

Lalonde added, “The play with the puck, the poise is there, but I give him a lot of credit for how he’s defending, getting stops, being hard, long stick.”

The Griffins have three games remaining before facing Rockford in the first round of the playoffs next week.

Patrick Kane was impressed by what he saw from Edvinsson.

“I just think his ability to hang on to pucks and be poised with the puck is something you don’t see too often in today’s game,” Kane said. “He’s obviously a big, strong guy. He’s able to kill plays, but he’s able to make a play out of it. He’s gotten better and better since season has gone along.”

Edvinsson appeared in two games with the Red Wings in late December during a brief recall.

When the Red Wings acquired veteran defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Holl and Petry in the offseason, they clearly believed Edvinsson needed more development time.

He started the season in Grand Rapids, appearing in 52 games and playing in all situations, picking up eight goals and 21 assists.

Edvinsson is expected to make the Red Wings roster at the start of next season.

Aston-Reese played three games with the Red Wings (no points), filling in for injured players. He has appeared in 59 games with the Griffins (14 goals, 15 assists).