The Daily: Sandin Pellikka on WJC Watch List; Gifting Poutine?

It seems possible, maybe probable, that the Red Wings fan base will be even more excited about Swedish prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka after the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.

Sandin Pellikka is having an exceptional season (Nine goals, four assists in 25 games for Skelleftea) in the Swedish Hockey League. The puck-moving defenseman doesn’t turn 19 until March.  Sportsnet writer Sam Cosentino lists him as one of the three WJC players to watch for a Swedish team that is among the favorites to win the gold medal. Sweden plays Latvia today.

Cosentino also lists Detroit prospect Kevin Bicker among the German players to watch. The speedy left wing Bicker (drafted 147th in 2023) has one goal in 24 games in Germany’s top league.

The Sportsnet list didn’t have Red Wings prospect goalie Trey Augustine (drafted 41st) on the list of top USA players, but you can make that case. Other Red Wing prospects include Sweden’s Anton Johansson (drafted 105th in 2022 and Canada’s Nate Danielson (drafted ninth overall in 2023). The Canadians plays Finland today.

#WorldJuniors Spotlight: Axel Sandin-Pellikka 🇸🇪

The @DetroitRedWings prospect has been one of the best offensive d-men in the @SHLse this season 📈🏒#twittpuck #LGRW pic.twitter.com/gqeAWl3726

— Sportlogiq (@Sportlogiq) December 22, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Steve Yzerman and Robby Fabbri have a better understanding of what Patrick Kane endured to return as a contributing NHL player.
• Hall of Fame Mike Vernon makes the case for Chris Osgood to join him in the Hall.
• Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine, a freshman at Michigan State, will be among USA’s key player at the World Junior Championships.
• Gordie Howe was Mr. Christmas in addition to being Mr. Hockey.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings were 14-7-3 on Dec. 5. They were playing like a team committed to qualifying for the playoffs. Since then, they are 2-7-1.  Coach Derek Lalonde and his players are looking to rediscover the best version of themselves Wednesday when they restart their season with a road game against the Minnesota Wild.  The Red Wings have given up 42 goals in their last 10 games and they will be tighten up defensively. The Red Wings still are tied for fourth in the league with a scoring average of 3.53 goals per game.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: BHN’s Mick Colageo writes that the Boston Bruins were hit early by the winter blahs.

Chicago: CHN’s Nate Brown ties the Christmas classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the Chicago Blackhawks. It’s a nice holiday read by a man who loves writing about sports.

Florida: Colby Guy writes that Paul Maurice adjusted his coaching style to achieve the milestones he has to date. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: Here is a lighthearted story about what you could have gotten Montreal Canadiens players for Christmas.

Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Flyers may have to wait a long time before they will see their Russian prospects in Philly.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski offers that the Pittsburgh Penguins need help in their middle six forward group and somehow need to figure out how to stabilize their defense.