Sandin-Pellikka gearing up for another year of growth

DETROIT -- Axel Sandin-Pellikka will continue his development by returning to play for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2024-25 season, giving the Detroit Red Wings defenseman prospect another year of valuable experience and time honing his craft.

“It’s nice to be home another year,” Sandin-Pellikka said during the Red Wings’ 2024 Development Camp last month. “I know my coaches and teammates well. We have a good team, so we’re going to go for the gold next year too.”

Sandin-Pellikka helped Skellefteå AIK win the SHL Championship last season, recording 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 39 regular-season games and seven points (two goals, five assists) in 14 postseason contests.

“(Skellefteå AIK) had a really good run,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “Obviously winning the Swedish championship is one of my lifelong dreams.”

The 19-year-old blueliner also helped Team Sweden to a silver-medal finish at the 2024 International Ice Hockey World Junior Championship, where he had six points (two goals, four assists) in seven tournament games.

“Axel was probably one of Sweden’s most important players on defense,” Red Wings Assistant Director of Player Development Dan Cleary said.

Sandin-Pellikka, whom Detroit selected with its second first-round pick (No. 17 overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, said he wants to improve his defensive game this season.

“Always after practice, the coaches back home make me defend forwards in the corners,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “That’s what I’m working on.”

Skating ability and hockey sense have stood out in Sandin-Pellikka’s game, but there’s still areas he knows he must polish. He’ll have a good opportunity to do so in the SHL, where Sandin-Pellikka will likely see more ice time than if he was with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins this season, according to Cleary.

“Not to say that Axel couldn’t come over and play in Grand Rapids, no problem,” Cleary said. “But Skelleftea is a really good development place.”

Motivated to have a similar level of impact again with Skellefteå AIK, Sandin-Pellikka said he plans to take what he learned from last season and apply it to this season.

“Getting stronger and already playing against the biggest guys in the league, it’s pretty tough to box them out,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “Just getting used to that and being a smart player.”