Red Wings Notebook: Detroit Prospect Helps Out on Historic SHL Tally

Detroit Red Wings defense prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka was making news for scoring goals in each of Skelleftea’s first two SHL games. However, it was his assist in the club’s fourth outing of the season that was making big news.

During a 4-2 victory over Orebo, Marcus Eriksson was redirecting a Sandin Pellikka shot into the net for Skelleftea’s opening goal of the game. More significantly, it was Eriksson’s first-ever SHL tally.

“It’s good that someone shoots at me and (it goes) in,” Erkisson told Sweden’s TV4. “That’s what was required.”

Axel Sandin-Pellikka continues his hot start to the SHL season – here setting up Skellefteå's go-ahead goal for his 4th point in 4GP #LGRW pic.twitter.com/l2LOt43EYL

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) September 28, 2024

Eriksson, 39, is the all-time leading scorer in Hockey Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second division. Defending SHL champion Skelleftea signed him in the summer and he is making his bow in the SHL this season.

Meanwhile, Sandin Pellikka (17th overall, 2023) has four points (2-2-4) in four SHL games.

Former Red Wings Player Has NHL Out

When ex-Red Wings forward Dominik Kubalik was signing a one-year deal with Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss League, it was including an out clause. That stipulation enables Kubalik to escape from his Swiss pact if he is getting an NHL offer prior to December 15.

“It’s probably the best thing I could have done,” Kubalik told Czech website isportblesk.cz. “That’s why they put the condition there. So that I have the option to withdraw from the contract if an offer comes.”

Vrana Donning Old Number

Back with the Washington Capitals on a PTO, former Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana is wearing the same No. 13 he was adorned in while the Caps were winning the 2017-18 Stanley Cup. Still, he’s taking nothing for granted.

“I feel great, but I still have a lot to show and confirm my qualities,” Vrana told Czech website iSportBlesk.cz. “One must not think too much about it. You just have to go and play to show that I still belong in this league.”

Caps coach Spencer Carbery said Jakub Vrana (goal) was "very noticeable" tonight and has some similarities in terms of his offensive instincts to William Nylander. pic.twitter.com/08NONuUu92

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 28, 2024

The Red Wings were opting to deal Vrana to the St. Louis Blues two seasons ago following his stint in the NHL./NHLPA Player Assistance Program following a substance abuse issue.

“My way? She was hard, man,” Vrana said. “Different things happened, but I put everything behind me. I take this as an opportunity to bounce back from the bottom.”