MLive’s Ansar Khan posted an article about Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka, who’s well aware of the adjustments he must make as he faces his first fulls season in North America with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins:
“That’s the thing I’ve been hearing, and this is what I want to get better at, too,” Sandin Pellikka said. “Just getting adjusted to that, learning a little bit more about the game here. Pretty much all over the ice, though, offensive zone, too.”
Sandin Pellikka is experiencing his first NHL training camp this week in Traverse City. Following a strong season with Skelleftea AIK, when he led all players under 21 in goals (12) and points (29) in 46 games, Sandin Pellikka appeared in five games for the Griffins.
“It’s a different game, just that the ice is smaller and it’s going to be quicker,” he said. “Just be aware in the D-zone, be smart, be on the inside a lot more and have your head on a swivel.”
Despite his skills, Sandin Pellikka is almost certain to start the season in Grand Rapids because defensemen typically need more time to develop.
“I want to show the staff that I can play hockey on a good level,” Sandin Pellikka said. “Other than that, we’ll see how it goes.”
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan offered the following observations regarding Sandin Pellikka, who isn’t overly big at 5’11” and 185 pounds:
“There’s the pros to Axe’s game, and we’re certainly looking for that, because if we’re not seeing what really makes him as a player, then he’s probably playing very safe,” McLellan said during his media availability. “There’s some cons. And we look and see when he’s in those situations, how does he handle it against the bigger players or in his zone. I find him to be very confident. Not cocky at all, willing to learn. All good signs.”
