Red Wings Pick Not Part of Swedish Squad

The first Swedish senior national team roster is out and it does not include the name of promising Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka. However, Sweden coach Sam Hallam wanted to make it perfectly clear that he sees a bright future for the defenseman in the colors of Tre Kronor.

For the time being, though, they want the 19-year-old rearguard to place all of his focus on helping Sweden win the gold medal at the upcoming World Junior Championship, which starts in Ottawa in late December.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka steps up to break up a play, picking up his 2nd assist of the game as Skellefteå ties the game 3-3! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/4gwkX29Gw9

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) October 24, 2024

“We had no thoughts there,” Hallam told Swedish website Aftonbladet of the inclusion of Sandin Pellikka to play in next month’s Karjala Cup. “All the focus is on winning a medal in Ottawa and the preparations for the JVM.”

Slated for Nov. 7-10 in Helsinki, the Karjala Cup features the national teams of Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Red Wings Prospect Drawing Praise

Sandin Pellikka was earning the nod as the tourney’s top defenseman at last year’s world juniors. Sweden won the silver medal on home ice.

This season, the teenager is tearing up the SHL playing for reigning champions Skelleftea. His five goals and 13 points lead all defensemen in Sweden’s top league. And yes, Hallam is taking notice of the qualities he thinks Sandin Pellikka might be able to add to Sweden’s senior squad once he’s completing his junior national team commitment.

“Above all in his attack and the courage he has in his game,” Hallam cites as what he admires in Sandin Pellikka’s game. “You can have that, but he also has an attack and a courage with good execution. He succeeds in a lot of what he does.

“It’s cool to see such a good player. It’s also fun to see the space he’s been given by coaches.”

Axel Sandin Pellikka (#LGRW) had the first three-point game of his SHL career on Nov 16th.

It was also a transition masterclass, showcasing why he's quickly becoming one of the best defensive prospects in the sport.

Highlights: pic.twitter.com/jdOI84wFsn

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) November 18, 2023

Someday soon, they will also be making space for Sandin Pellikka alongside Sweden’s best players.

“There is always a discussion…” Hallam admitted. He cites the culture of Skelleftea – the same reason why Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman felt it wise to leave Sandin Pellikka in Sweden another season – as a key element in his progress as a player.

“You saw the picture when (Skelleftea captain) Jonathan Pudas celebrates in a boat after a few goals here recently,” Hallam said. “I think he has a whole team behind him, too. It testifies to a good culture up there in Skelleftea as well. Which enables many young players to develop.”