Tracking the progress of Detroit Red Wings’ prospects in the Swedish Hockey League has become one of the tradition’s of the team’s ongoing rebuild.
Thanks in no small part to IcehockeyGifs-provided video, Detroit fans have been able to enjoy watching Simon Edvinsson, Elmer Soderblom, Marco Kasper and William Wallinder grow up in the SHL.
That tradition will continue this season with defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka playing for Skelleftea. His gifted puck-moving style will undoubtedly lend itself to some entertaining video highlights.
Sandin Pellikka contributed a goal and an assist to help Skelleftea down Tappara in a Champions Hockey League matchup. He played 16:53, giving him an average of 17:30 minutes per game in his three CHL contests. The SHL launches Sept. 14.
“He’ll have a good season in Skelleftea,” said Dan Cleary, the Red Wings’ Director of Player Development. “The SHL is a strong league.”
Sandin scored Skelleftea’s fifth goal during a goalmouth scramble, roofing the puck high into the net from in tight.
Potential High-Scoring D Man
Several NHL scouts considered the young Swede the top-offensive minded defenseman available in the 2023 draft in Nashville. The Red Wings took him with the 17th pick in the first round. Weather issues forced the Sandin Pellikka to drive from the East Coast to Nashville to get the draft. Weather issues caused cancellation of their flight.
Sandin Pellikka’s elite scoring touch makes him a popular pick in Swedish SHL fantasy pools.
He’s confident with the puck, particularly in traffic. Sandin Pellikka has totaled 10 shots on goal in three Champions League game.
This summer, Sandin Pellikka tested well at the Red Wings’ Player Development Camp. He played 22 games in the SHL last season, even though he just turned 18 in March. Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman historically doesn’t fast track players. His preference has been to give them time to develop.
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