The NHL Network claims that its “research department” has determined the top 25 NHL prospects today, but the Red Wings’ only representative is Axel Sandin Pellikka:
21. Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Detroit Red Wings
The 20-year-old, who was a first-round pick (No. 17) by Detroit in the 2023 NHL Draft, had a busy 2024-25 season. He had 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 46 games for Skelleftea of the Swedish Hockey League, the top league in the country. His goals and points were the most of any under-21 skater in the SHL. He had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 11 playoff games to help Skelleftea reach the SHL semifinals, and was also named the best defenseman at the 2025 WJC, when he had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games. Sandin-Pellikka signed his entry-level contract with the Red Wings on May 6 and played in two regular-season games (one assist) and three playoff games for Grand Rapids of the AHL. He was also named the top defenseman at the 2024 WJC (two goals, four assists in seven games).
Continued; the list only includes one goaltender, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler (at #24), and it’s mostly a “big-name” list as opposed to a “big-talent” list. I’m not particularly impressed by it, but I’m biased!
