Red Wings Still Waiting For Sandin Pellikka’s Wow Moment

Axel Sandin Pellikka’s arrival at his first Detroit Red Wings camp came with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

The Swedish defenseman’s press clippings beat him to Hockeytown. News of his flashy high-end offensive skill, his record-setting performances in his homeland, and his utter dominance in successive World Junior Tournaments created a palpable buzz about Sandin Pellikka.

However, if you were expecting him to lift you out of your seat, we’ve got news for you.

It hasn’t happened yet.

That doesn’t mean that Sandin Pellikka isn’t playing well.

A strong defensive move along the boards by Axel Sandin Pellikka allowed the Wings to move the puck up the ice and gave Michael Brandsegg-Nygård the room to score. #gogrg #lgrw pic.twitter.com/1pGkc9m1EB

— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) September 14, 2025

“He’s a smart player, like, really smart,” assessed Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. “And you see the way he moves on the power play, see how he walks the blue. I’ve been impressed with how he breaks the puck out.

“I think he’s gotten better every day. And as a young guy coming in, it’s difficult, but he’s really done a good job.”

What hasn’t been evident in Sandin Pellikka’s game, even going back to his late-season debut with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins last spring, is that wow factor. And the Red Wings want to see that from him.

“There’s pros to Axe’s game, and we’re certainly looking for that,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said, “because if we’re not seeing what really makes him special as a player, then he’s probably playing very safe.”

Players with high-end skill operate on a different plane than mere mortals. They must be given some rope, some opportunity to be taking risks with the objective of making a spectacular play.

“Those types of plays a lot of guys don’t make, he can do that,” Griffins coach Dan Watson said.

Once he gets more comfortable playing on a North American ice surface, the Red Wings expect to see those plays from Sandin Pellikka.

Red Wings Like ASP’s Confidence

The Detroit brass likes what they are experiencing from Sandin Pellikka’s character.

“I find him to be a very confident player,” McLellan said. “Not cocky at all. Willing to learn.

“Those are all good signs from him.”

The captain admires the calm in ASP’s game.

“He seems to be pretty level-headed,” Larkin said. “He doesn’t get too high, too low.

“No matter what happens, he kind of just finds the puck and makes the next play. I really appreciate that about him.”

They also appreciate that the young Swede, barely 20, is a quick study.

“I think there’s going to be some growing pains at times, but he’s a kid that once it happens once, it doesn’t happen again,” Watson said.

Preseason Presents More Opportunity For ASP

The Wings will be giving Sandin Pellikka plenty of chances to dress and impress in the upcoming NHL preseason.

“All of a sudden it’s a different color jersey and the emotions start to heat up a little bit,” McLellan said.

The OT winner by Axel Sandin Pellikka!🇸🇪💪 #WorldJuniors #SWESUI @trekronorse pic.twitter.com/GSLNHxGJhQ

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) January 2, 2024

ASP understands the assignment and is excited for the chance to take the exam.

I want to play good,” Sandin Pellikka said. “I want to show the staff that I can play hockey on a good level and I want to do my best out there.”

Even if it doesn’t happen right away for him, not to worry. Simon Edvinsson’s first NHL camp didn’t go spectacularly, but after serving an apprenticeship in GR, he’s become a fine NHL defenseman.

Just as the Wings are certain Sandin Pellikka will ultimately be.

“He’s going to figure it out very quickly, just like the other guys have,” Watson said. “That’s why they’re in the NHL.”