The Red Wings’ prospect pipeline is producing future NHL stars. Join us each month as DetroitRedWings.com presents “Waiting in the Wings,” a Carhartt-sponsored series that showcases the organization’s up-and-coming young talent.
Axel Sandin Pellikka, an 18-year-old defenseman prospect, is still inspired by the straightforward counsel he received from Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman following the team’s 2023 Development Camp this past summer.
“The only guy who can stop you from making it to the NHL is yourself,” said Steve Yzerman to me. Recently, Sandin Pellikka told DetroitRedWings.com. “That I am the only one who can prevent myself from visiting the NHL is something I carried with me. I’m going to exert every effort to arrive there.
In his first full season with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, Sandin Pellikka, who was selected by the Red Wings with the 17th overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, is off to a great start. Sandin Pellikka leads all SHL defensemen with eight goals and 12 points through 20 games.
PELLIKKA! 8th of the season!🚨#LGRW pic.twitter.com/1ASz74YJT3
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) November 25, 2023
“I want to give it my all every game and contribute as much as I can for the team,” Sandin Pellikka stated. “I want to do it for the team, whether it’s stopping a shot or scoring a goal.”
With eight goals in a single season, Sandin Pellikka has the fourth-highest total of any defenseman in the SHL who is 19 or younger. The only players who have scored more goals in a single campaign are Ulf Samuelsson (nine goals in 1982–83) and Tomas Jonsson (nine goals in 1977–78 and 11 in 1978–79).
With 32 SHL games remaining in the season, Sandin Pellikka declared, “I feel very good to start this season.” Here at Skellefteå, my coaches give me a lot of confidence. They offer a great deal of assistance. I enjoy having fun with them.
With Skellefteå’s U-20 team, Sandin Pellikka started the 2022–23 season with 36 points in 31 games before finishing with five points in 22 games.
Sandin Pellikka stated, “I had a lot of confidence even coming into this season because (last season) was kind of a breakthrough for me.” “I’m pleased with the start because I’ve had a few fortunate bounces and some shots that have gone in.”
Sandin Pellikka is also pleased with his defensive advancements.
Sandin Pellikka stated, “Coming into the SHL from U-20 was a big change for me last season.” Playing against much bigger players made it difficult to hit them and stop their play, especially defensively. However, I feel like I can this season.
