Red Wings defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka spoke with NHL.com/sv’s Peter Ekholm yesterday regarding his imminent NHL debut:
Debut approaching for Sandin-Pellikka: ‘I’m a bit nervous’
Swedish defensive talent took a spot for himself in Detroit – may be featured on the NHL team against Montreal
Axel Sandin-Pellikka heads toward his NHL debut for the Detroit Red Wings. The 20-year-old defenseman has performed a good preseason and remains in the Red Wings team with only days left until the premiere against the Montreal Canadiens.
“It’s a little nervous. It’s a dream to be here. I’m still here, so it must be a good sign,” Sandin-Pellikka told NHL.com/sv.
Sandin-Pellikka is embarking upon his first season in North America after a successful year in SHL and Skellefteå. Last season, the defenseman played 49 games in the SHL and accounted for 29 points (12 goals and 17 assists). He was named junior of the year in SHL and Swedish ice hockey. He also became the World Junior Championship’s best defenseman after posting ten points (7 goals and 6 assists) in seven games.
He finished by playing in two games for the AHL team Grand Rapids, and this season he is gearing up to settle onto the Red Wings, who drafted him 17th overall in 2023.
In seven preseason games, Sandin-Pellikka accounted for four assists, impressing the team’s coach, Todd McLellan.
“He’s got a good look, he can read the game. He can ‘play chess’ from time to time on the ice, and it’s valuable to have. We think he’s just going to get better, too. We’ve seen him develop before our eyes, but we think he’s going to get better all the time,” McLellan said.
Veteran Dylan Larkin is also impressed by the Swede, who, among other things, has had playing time on the power play.
“I wouldn’t want to spend too much time against him now. I expect him to be a player on our team. I expect everyone who makes the roster is important. Hopefully he’s playing in his first game in the NHL on Thursday, it looks like that right now. He will have a nice future,” Larkin said.
If he has his debut on Thursday against Montreal–it means a dream comes true.
“Ever since I learned what the NHL it’s where I wanted to be. It’s the best of the best. It would be a dream come true.”
