Bleacher Report’s Hannah Stuart lists 5 prospects who “could break out” this upcoming season, and she includes three likely NHL’ers and two prospects who are not currently playing in the NHL:
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Detroit Red Wings
Don’t be surprised if this is the last season Axel Sandin-Pellikka spends in the SHL. The highly-skilled defender chose to spend one more season playing at home in Sweden to continue refining his game, a decision the Red Wings fully supported. After attending development camp in July he returned to Skellefteå and while he’s spent some time on the shelf recently due to injury, all signs point to this being a season where he takes the next step in becoming what the Red Wings saw when they drafted him: a player who is essential to the future of their organization’s blue line.
He looked great for Sweden internationally last season, and is expected to see significant power play time for Skellefteå this season. His intelligence, playmaking, and puck skills are all key facets of his game, and he’ll be put in a position to utilize those skills night in and night out in SHL and Champions League play. Our prediction: that he shines, and in doing so doesn’t just come to North America next season, but forces Steve Yzerman’s hand and stays in Detroit.
Continued; my gut feeling is that Sandin Pellikka will play in Grand Rapids for at least half a season, but he’s definitely on a faster track than most to NHL stardom.
