TRAVERSE CITY >> You would think maybe there would be some couching, maybe lessen the expectations just a bit, even after Simon Edvinsson’s terrific play during the Red Wings’ wild push toward the end of last season.

But coach Derek Lalonde isn’t prone to doing that, and he isn’t doing so with Edvinsson.

The young defenseman is being slotted into a top-four role, playing with Jeff Petry, and likely playing big minutes.

And even more minutes, if Edvinsson deserves it.

“I foresee him being in our top four to start the season,” Lalonde said of Edvinsson, the Wings’ 2021 first-round pick. “His overall play from Grand Rapids last year to what he gave us down the stretch, where he slotted with our push at the end of the year, we foresee him in a similar role and kind of let it play out from there.”

Edvinsson, 21, played in 16 games with the Wings and tallied a goal, an assist, and an even plus-minus rating while averaging 18 minutes, 15 seconds of ice time. The numbers were impressive, but it was the poise and confidence he was playing with when the Wings were charging toward a possible playoff spot that stood out.

The level of play certainly put Edvinsson into a possible prime role this training camp and heading into this season. But Edvinsson isn’t taking anything for granted and doesn’t see it that way.

“I don’t think like that,” he said. “It’s training camp and we didn’t reach the playoffs. My main focus has been to be as good as possible and be as ready as possible for the start of the season. Nothing has changed with my focus from there.”

There has been little question about Edvinsson’s ability with the puck, his fluid skating, and his physical play. If there were growing pains, it was because of his defensive inconsistencies and learning to make the correct decisions with the puck on a more consistent basis.

That became more prevalent last season in Grand Rapids, where he had 30 points in 54 games, with a plus-five rating, while becoming the clear No. 1 defenseman with the Griffins.

“He created some offense with just his long stick and kept plays alive on the forecheck,” Lalonde said. “A few seconds later the puck was in the opponent’s net. Hopefully he can even get more minutes if he has it going one night. We might be a little fluid with our top four.

“If he earns more minutes, he’ll get more minutes.”

Being thrust into a major role, with an NHL team’s season on the line, is a difficult challenge. But Edvinsson learned quite a bit that could help him progress this season and into the future.

“Don’t try to be the hero of the game,” Edvinsson said of what he took from last season. “Opportunities will come to you. As a defenseman, I have to play strong defense and if the opportunity to go forward and (be) offensive, I will take it. That was the main thing I took.

“A lot happened. It was just a good experience. I know how hard it is to grab a playoff spot. I know what is needed from the whole team and me personally to grab that extra point (in the standings).

“That’s the biggest takeaway.”

The Edvinsson and Petry pairing is one that has potential to stick and thrive.

Petry’s experience and steady performance, the lefty (Edvinsson) and righty (Petry) fit, and Petry’s calm demeanor could make Edvinsson that much more effective.

“(Petry) can be easy to play off at times, simple and predictable,” Lalonde said. “Jeff has seen everything and been in every situation. He could be a perfect mentor in that relationship.”

The two defensemen are forming a bond this training camp, spending time off the ice. Edvinsson said the two were scheduled to go fishing Friday and they’ve been having meals in camp.

“He’s a great guy and we have a good connection on and off the ice,” Edvinsson said. “There’s more to build on, and I feel we can even have more of a connection. We go to dinner, we do stuff together, it’s the small things that give you a good connection with your partner.

“We talk a lot on the ice, what we can do better or different. That’s good to have.”

This is Edvinsson’s third training camp with the Wings, but there’s a noticeable difference from the others in his estimation. Last season ending the way it did, it’s probably not surprising.

“This one, just the intensity of the practices,” Edvinsson said. “You can see it. It hurt for a lot of people last year to not reach the playoffs. That’s the difference, the intensity we bring out to this training camp.

“It was painful (to miss the playoffs) but there is motivation when you go on the ice and you think about that extra point there (in the standings). A lot of guys did that. I train with Ray (Lucas Raymond) and he had the same feeling about that. It stunk but it was a good thing to have that in the back of your head when you are doing those extra workout things.”