When Timra took the ice for the club’s latest SHL game against league leaders Farjestad, the home crowd included one legendary Swede who was there specifically to eyeball Detroit Red Wings prospect Eddie Genborg.
Red Wings vice president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom was on hand, much to the surprise – and delight – of Genborg.
Red Wings lines tonight: projected lineup and starting goalie →
“No idea, actually,” Genborg told Swedish website Sportbladet of Lidstrom’s presence at the game. “So it was a bit of a shock.”
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It is Genborg’s presence on the ice that has the attention of the Red Wings brass.
“It’s probably primarily the physical game,” Lidstrom said about what stands out in Genborg’s game. “He likes to hit and plays physically.
“The defensemen probably know when he’s out on the ice now. Then he creates space for his teammates.
He’s good at digging pucks out and is strong in the corners, so there are a lot of good ingredients in that.”
Genborg appreciates the Red Wings’ interest
After speaking with Lidstrom after the game, Genborg spoke about what it means when he finds out a prominent member of the Detroit front office is there to check in on his progress.
“It’s the first time this season that he’s seen me in person, so it was nice that he was here,” Genborg said. “It still means that you’re appreciated, that they want to go and watch me.
If a hockey icon like Lidstrom has any advice to pass on to the player the Red Wings selected 44th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, then the young winger is all ears.
“If he sees something, he’ll probably say it,” Genborg said. “And if I do something good, he’ll probably say it, too.”
Genborg missed Red Wings training camp while still recovering from an injury he suffered last spring playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL Calder Cup playoffs. The Red Wings were very impressed with the work ethic and determination that Genborg displayed while rehabbing from his injury.
“We like what we see from Eddie,” Lidstrom said. “He’s physical, and his skating is getting better and better.
He’s been working his ass off here, both on the ice after practice and in the gym.
“So he’s starting to catch up.”
By Bob Duff
Bob Duff has worked in the sports media industry since 1984 and covered the Red Wings since 1988. As.
