A couple of days ago, I was able to post a snippet from Axel Sandin Pellikka’s interview with Norran–a behind-the-paywall Swedish newspaper–as shared with us by Hockeysverige.se’s Linnea Andersson.
Early this morning, Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff provides us with a peek behind the paywall, as ASP discussed the possibility that he may not start the 2026-2027 season in Detroit.
Duff reports that Sandin Pellikka discussed his late-season demotion to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins with Norran’s Mille Dybro…
“Just developing as a player,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “It never hurts to get more games over here and just work on defense, work on offense. Play to the best of my abilities and just get better as a hockey player.”
The Wings added free agent defenseman Jacob Bryson, a 28-year-old NHL veteran, as a depth signing, and prospect D William Wallinder, who will be 24 on July 28th, is out of waiver options. As such:
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Sandin-Pellikka, who doesn’t have to clear waivers to go down, might find himself beginning the 2026-27 season back with the Griffins.
If that’s the case, he already is drawing up a game plan.
“I think it’s just play with intensity,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “Yeah. Offense, defense, everywhere. Really just go out there, play my game, get better, get more experience.”
