The Red Wings appear to be one of three teams (Chicago and Nashville being the other two) in the running to sign Swedish free agent Victor Ejdsell. The big, 21 year old forward had a bit of a breakout season with Swedish second division BIK Karlskoga scoring 25 goals and 57 points in 50 games. At 6’5”/220lbs his is a big bodied forward who spent a lot of time this past season transitioning from a winger to center and working on his two way game.
According to Red Wings Assistant General Manager Ryan Martin, “He’s evolved into a strong two-way center. His move from wing to center helped his defensive game. He’s got good hands and offensive ability.”
As is generally the case with the European players the Red Wings pursue, Hakan Andersson is the one who saw Ejdsell play and recommended him to the Red Wings.
I like what little I have seen of him (he is #9 in blue on the video above and the move he makes to score the game winner is a thing of beauty) and while he would not likely add to the Red Wings needs in their Top 6, if signed Ejdsell could certainly help improve the scoring depth and two way play of the third or fourth line. Of course with Chicago and Nashville involved as well it could be tough for the Wings to lure him to Detroit without overpaying for him, something they probably cannot afford to do.
