Sandin Pellikka, Brandsegg-Nygard Joining Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings have assigned 2023 and 2024 first round draft picks Axel Sandin Pellikka (drafted 17th, 2023) and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (15th, 2024) to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

At one point, the Red Wings considered bringing them to Detroit to play after their Skelleftea team was knocked out of the Swedish Hockey League playoffs. But the Red Wings opted to send them to the Griffins who are trying to secure third place in the AHL Central Division to earn a first-round playoff bye.

The Griffins play Wednesday in Rockford, but neither the Griffins or Red Wings have indicated when the two players will suit up for the Griffins.

Axel Sandin Pellikka, a candidate to make the Red Wings next season, was a dominant defenseman in the SHL this season. The 20-year-old Swede, boasting slick offensive skill, showed 12 goals and 29 points in 42 games. He added eight points in 11 games before Skelleftea was ousted from the playoffs.

Brandsegg-Nygard is a Norwegian who went to Sweden to find better competition. Brandsegg-Nygard, 19,  put up five goals as a role player in his first SHL season. However, his game started to come together in the SHL playoffs. He totaled four goals and six points (and 12 penalty minutes) in 11 games. He’s a strong right wing with a quick-release booming shot.

The Red Wings wanted Brandsegg-Nygard to play for the Griffins this season, but he chose to play in the SHL.

Grand Rapids holds a two-point lead over the Chicago Wolves for third place in the American Hockey League’s Central Division. Third place comes with a first round bye. If the Griffins fall into fourth-place, they will have a best-of-three series against the Rockford IceHogs for the right to play in the best-of-seven division finals.