What happened: Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade rather than signing an extension. The Pittsburgh Penguins have surfaced as a potential destination for the 23-year-old blueliner, who remains in Sweden amid the contract stalemate. Pittsburgh is actively looking to upgrade its defense with a physical, top-four option on the left side.

Why it matters: The Penguins want to become harder to play against defensively and lack a surefire top-four option on the left side to complement right-side prospects like Harrison Brunicke. Edvinsson is a 6-foot-6 two-way defender who spent last season paired with Moritz Seider. A move to Pittsburgh could provide him a fresh start as the Detroit Red Wings manage a tense preseason.

What to watch: Watch if the Penguins initiate formal trade discussions with Detroit as the regular season approaches.