Red Wings’ 2023 First Rounder Is WJC Scoring Leader

Blue chip defenseman prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka’s numbers are probably exceeding the Detroit Red Wings’ expectations at the World Junior Championships.

Goalie prospect Trey Augustine not so much.

With four goals and three assists, Sandin Pellikka is tied for the WJC scoring lead. His plus-six plus-minus has also helped Sweden stay unbeaten in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Michigan State goalie Augustine has played two games and owns a 3.94 goals-against and an .878 save percentage. Those are not the numbers you would expect from a premium player going for his third medal at the WJC. This is the same goalie who played a major role helping USA win the gold medal last season.

His numbers reflect a couple of goals he would like to have back in a 10-4 win against Germany, and facing 33 shots on goal in the spirited Finns’ 4-3 overtime win against USA.

Presumably, Augustine will be back in net, with a chance to be the goalie he’s been for the Spartans this season, Tuesday when the Americans play Canada in a pivotable game to decide the Group A lead. It’s an 8 p.m. start on the NHL Network. Canada and USA both currently are tied for first at seven points.

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Detroit prospect Jesse Kiiskinen was one of Finland’s scorers in the win against USA. The high energy forward is Finland’s captain and he has two goals in the tournament. The Red Wings acquired him from the Nashville Predators last summer in the Andrew Gibson trade.

Max Plante, son of former NHLer Derek Plante, scored in USA’s 5-1 win against Latvia and then was a healthy scratch against Finland. He plays college hockey at Minnesota-Duluth.