Bleacher Report’s Hannah Stuart lists every NHL team’s “top prospect” this morning, and there’s no surprise as to which player she picks to represent the Red Wings:
Detroit Red Wings, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D
If whatever is going on with the Yzerplan wastes the best years of Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s early career, I will be claiming emotional distress.
We’re obviously not there yet; I’m just getting it out there. The Swedish defenseman is an incredible player—an offensively minded, dynamic defenseman with the ability to read the ice like he was given the script before the game started. He can quarterback a power play, make plays off the rush at his top speeds, and generally make life difficult for his opponents. He was the Red Wings’ selection for this year’s NHLPA Rookie Showcase, and I cannot imagine he’ll do anything but shine during the Red Wings’ training camp.
Sandin-Pellikka played two games with the Grand Rapids Griffins at the end of last season. I’m very often a proponent of giving European players extended time in the AHL to adjust to the North American game, but some guys just don’t need it. I personally feel Sandin-Pellikka is one of those guys. Hopefully, Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan agree.
Continued; Stuart need not worry about the Red Wings “wasting” ASP’s prime years, but I believe that he’s going to start the season in Grand Rapids, barring a tremendous training camp and exhibition season.
