Delayed Detroit Arrival: Sandin Pellikka in SHL Semifinals

The defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka chances of joining the Detroit Red Wings before the end of the regular-season were reduced Monday when his Skelleftea team advanced to the Swedish Hockey League semifinals.

Skelleftea downed Farejestad 2-1 in double-overtime to win their best-of-seven quarterfinals matchup in six games. The Skelleftea squad will play Brynas in the best-of-seven semifinals starting Thursday.  The Red Wings’ regular-season ends April 17 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Even if Skelleftea loses the series, a lengthy series probably means Sandin Pellikka won’t play with the Red Wings until next season.

Skellefteå wins 2-1 and they win the series. Great game from Axel Sandin Pellikka(1st round’23 for Skellefteå)
And Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (1st round’24)#LGRW #skeaik pic.twitter.com/rR5lcIDscd

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 31, 2025

If Skelleftea wins the semifinal, the Finals is scheduled to start April 19.

Sandin Pellikka had a goal, six shots on goal and one hit in the deciding game against Farjestad. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (Detroit 2024 first rounder) also played well. He has stepped up his game in the playoffs, contributing four shots on goal and two hits in the deciding game. The Red Wings’ hope is that Brandsegg-Nygard will develop into a scoring winger with an edge to his game.

Sandin Pellikka Nets Tying Goal

It was Sandin Pellikka who scored the goal that tied the game 1-1, leading to overtime. Brandsegg-Nygard drew an assist on the goal. The right-winger delivered two hits and four shots on goal during 16:32 of ice time.

Axel Sandin Pellikka(1st round’23 for Skellefteå) GOAL🚨 great board battle win by Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (1st round’24) who picks up the secondary assist 🍏 #LGRW #skeaik pic.twitter.com/5x7akaXyax

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 31, 2025

As much as the Red Wings would like to see Sandin Pellikka and Brandsegg-Nygard coming to North America, there is significant benefit for the young players to compete for a championship.

It seems likely Sandin Pellikka, a potentially high-scoring puck mover, will be given an opportunity to make the Red Wings next season. Even if he doesn’t start with the Red Wings, he could be playing regularly in Detroit after some time in Grand Rapids. The hope is be that he could do for Detroit what Quinn Hughes does for Vancouver.