Sweden Says Thanks But no Thanks to Former Red Wings Prospect

It’s been quite the year for one time Detroit Red Wings hopeful Dick Axelsson.

Making a comeback at the age of 37 with Djurgardens IF of Hockey Allsvenskan, the Swedish second division, the 2006 Red Wings draftee was ending a three-year absence from the game. And in doing so, he was helping the team to earn promotion back to the SHL.

Ever the character, Axelsson was playfully letting everyone know this success story wasn’t going to his head.

Dick Axelsson visar att paycheck går före backcheck. pic.twitter.com/or1IYCnPLE

— Anton (@bolaniii9) February 18, 2020

He took to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, to let the powers that be running the Swedish national team know he would be unavailable for the upcoming IIHF World Championship.

“I will decline the World Hockey Championship due to injury,” Axelsson posted. “Please respect my decision.”

The response from the official site of Tre Kroner, the Swedish national team, was equally playful.

“Sad, but there will be more chances!” was their reply.

Former Red Wings Pick May Not Be Done

In all seriousness, Axelsson was ready to acknowledge that his return to action may not be a one off. He’s considering playing again next season as the team returns to Sweden’s top flight, feeling he is dealing from a position of strength.

“I have another year in me, right?” Axelsson teased Swedish website Aftonbladet. “Yes, I hope so. You’re hungry, of course. I usually stand here and say I should quit, but now you’re hungry for something more.”

Axelsson certainly enjoyed a stellar campaign. He accounted for 17 goals and 31 points in 29 games. He added another 14 points in 16 playoff games.

HockeyAllsvenskan Points/60 Leaders:

1 Anton Frondell 4.24
2 Nicolai Meyer 4.06
3 Fredrik Forsberg 3.93
4 John Dahlström 3.86
5 Marcus Nilsson 3.84
6 Dick Axelsson 3.82
7 Andrew Vanderbeck 3.80
8 Nolan Stevens 3.68
9 Carter Souch 3.67
10 Scott Pooley 3.64#2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/E9zcu2E2hk

— WJCrankings (@WJCrankings) April 18, 2025

The Red Wings had high hopes for Axelsson when they took him 62nd overall. Coming to North America in 2009, Axelsson put up 2-3-5 totals in 17 AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins before returning to Sweden, citing homesickness.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked the same question – “What the hell happened in Detroit?” Axelsson said.

“I should have trusted my gut and never went over there to begin with. In a way it was good I took the chance to see what it was like, but it was clear the hockey didn’t suit me.”