Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis posted his “Top 75 NHL-affiliated prospects” list today. Here are the Wings’ representatives:
13. Simon Edvinsson, D, 20 (Detroit Red Wings)
After an excellent season in the SHL, the team could have rushed him to the NHL for 2022-23, but they didn’t. They let him simmer with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, where he was one of the best players on a weak team. He had some solid moments down the stretch with the Red Wings, showing he was ready for a much bigger workload in 2023-24. Along with Moritz Seider, Edvinsson looks to be a huge piece of Detroit’s future. And that’s also literal, given he’s 6-foot-6.
29. Marco Kasper, C, 19 (Detroit Red Wings)
It’s really difficult to produce as a junior-aged player in the Swedish Hockey League, one of the best European leagues in the world – and one that is more interested in winning than developing for the NHL. Over the past two years, only Anaheim Ducks prospect Leo Carlsson (25) has more points as a U-20 skater than Kasper (23). In fact, four of the top six U-20 scorers in that span happen to be Red Wings prospects. Kasper is the team’s top forward prospect for a reason – he’s physical, has a great shot, and is a good skater. Now that he’s in North America, it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts.
39. Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, 18 (Detroit Red Wings)
ASP was a monster at the U-20 level but much more reserved against men in the SHL. A good puck-mover, Sandin Pellikka was the best defenseman at the U-18 World Championship and the U-20 Swedish league, too. He could score, set guys up and is an excellent puckhandler. While his top speed is still missing the next step, Sandin Pellikka’s acceleration was near the top of the defensive crop for the 2023 draft class. If he can unlock a bit more intensity with Skelleftea next season, he’ll be in excellent shape. The 2024 world juniors on home ice will be a nice challenge for the Swedish blueliner.
65. Nate Danielson, C, 19 (Detroit Red Wings)
I’ll be upfront: I didn’t love the pick at No. 9. But the 19-year-old center has good size, creates chances and charges to the net with purpose. A captain at 18, Danielson is well-respected among his teammates, and he seems to make everyone around him better. I don’t think he’ll be a big producer in the NHL, but he’ll be a reliable two-way center.
Continued; Danielson is underrated. As per usual.
