FloHockey landed a deal to air 100 SHL games this upcoming season, and as such, FloHockey’s Chris Peters offers 8 reasons to watch the SHL in prospect form. Because flattery will get you everywhere, I’m going to allow him to describe Axel Sandin Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard in positive terms for us…
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Skellefteå AIK (DET)
Though just 19, Sandin-Pellikka has already appeared in 66 games in the SHL over the previous two seasons. In his third year in the league, even more is expected after the incredible bar he set last season with 10 goals and 18 points in 39 pro games. His 10 goals were the second most ever by a U19 defenseman in the SHL.
Through his first five games of the 2024-25 season, the Red Wings 2023 first-round pick has already produced four points, including a pair of goals. He’s also more regularly playing top-pairing minutes and thriving in that situation.
A talented puck-mover, Sandin-Pellikka has poise beyond his years and just keeps getting better.
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Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, Skellefteå (DET)
Though still with the Detroit Red Wings in training camp, expectations are that Brandsegg-Nygård will be coming back to Sweden. After spending the last two seasons with Mora IK in the Hockey Allsvenskan, the 18-year-old Norwegian forward is going to get his first run in Sweden’s top pro league this season.
He has a great shot and can get it off from just about anywhere. On top of that, Brandsegg-Nygård is an abrasive, aggressive player who can play physically and take charge on the forecheck. He’s going to need to make some adjustments as he gets going in the SHL, but there’s a lot to like about his game.
Continued; as noted today by Michel Brandsegg-Nygard’s former GM, Anders Myrvold, it’s entirely possible that MBN may remain in North America, but we’ll let that sleeping dog lying down for now.
As for ASP, he’s practically auditioning for an NHL job this season.
