The Detroit Red Wings announced Monday morning that blue-chip Swedish prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka has signed his entry-level contract:
Sandin Pellikka, who turned 19 in March, was taken 17th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Since then, the shifty defender had several impressive performances across the chart — in the SHL, and with Team Sweden in the WJC and International Juniors. ASP also helped his SHL club (Skellefteå AIK) win the league championship, with 7 points (2-5–7) posted in 14 games.
Here’s a quote from an NHL exec from ASP’s Elite Prospects player card:
“To me, he’s someone who has the potential to develop into a first-unit, power play quarterback sort of defenceman. One of the 10-15 guys who can run a power play from the blue line. The question with him is always going to be his defence.” – Eastern Conference executive, May 2023
ASP still has growing to do before he becomes a full-time NHL player. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman recently said that he expects Sandin Pellikka will remain in Sweden for at least another year.
