Must See: Another Memorable Goal by Sandin Pellikka

Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka has played two games for Skelleftea AIK in the Swedish Hockey League this season and already has two goals, including a memorable one Tuesday night.

The Detroit Red Wings first round pick (17th, 2023) made a slick move to score in a 3-1 win against HV71.

Beauty from Sandin-Pellikka for his 2nd goal of the SHL season!🚨 #LGRW pic.twitter.com/b7mFx8URxZ

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) September 24, 2024

Sandin Pellikka teammate, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, is in Detroit’s training camp, even though he was drafted three months ago.

Before training camp started, Detroit GM Steve Yzerman was asked whether the team had considered bringing over Sandin Pellikka this season.

Why ASP Stayed in Sweden

“And you might ask why, and I don’t really have a good answer for that, but we just, the plan was to leave him there,” Yzerman said. “He’s in a good spot. He knows our expectations of him and what our plan for him is. And so, no, it wasn’t. We wanted to bring Michael over here to spend a little bit of time with, again with our staff, you know, the Red Wings staff, but also our skills and skating people and our development people. Take a little bit of time here and play a couple of preseason games. You know, he’s a little bit different, he’s a little bigger, stronger. Axe, being a defenseman just felt like…he’s in a good spot there.”

As a general rule, it takes longer for young defensemen to develop.  Also, the Grand Rapids defense has Shai Buium, Antti Tuomisto, William Wallinder and Eemil Viro all vying for playing time. Youngsters Albert Johansson and Simon Edvinsson are moving to the Red Wings this season.

Adding Sandin Pellikka to the mix would have made it more crowded.

The SHL provides quality competition, and Sandin Pellikka is undoubtedly is growing more confident with his strong play.

Depending on whether the Skelleftea AIK qualifies for the playoffs and how long the team stays in the postseason, the Red Wings could send Sandin Pellikka to Grand Rapids later in the season.