The Hockey News’s Andre Leal posted a set of biographical sketches regarding 3 likely-to-play-in-the-AHL prospects which he suggests bear watching in Oliver Bonk, Tanner Molendyk and Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka:
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Grand Rapids Griffins
Axel Sandin-Pellikka really made a name for himself in the last two World Junior Championships that he featured in. For the latest 2024-25 world juniors, Sandin-Pellikka captained Team Sweden.
Despite a fourth-place finish, the blueliner equalled Carolina Hurricanes prospect and Chicago Wolves right winger Felix Unger Sorum to lead his team in points with four goals and 10 points in seven games.
With that, Sandin-Pellikka finished the tournament tied in second for points behind Team USA’s and Washington Capitals prospect defenseman Cole Hutson, who had 11 points.
The offense-minded defenseman has already made a few appearances in the AHL last season. After racking up 12 goals and 29 points in 46 games for Skelleftea in the SHL, the Grand Rapids Griffins brought him in to end the AHL campaign.
The Detroit Red Wings prospect recorded one assist across two regular-season and three post-season contests.
Continued; Sandin Pellikka may have a bit of a slow start if he requires readjustment to the North American style of play, but his skill set translates well to every rink, so we’ll get hints as to whether his apprenticeship will be short or somewhat extended over the course of training camp and the exhibition season.
