Multiple Swedish media outlets are reporting that 19-year-old Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka will sign with play in North America beginning next season.
Sandin-Pellikka, who was drafted 17th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2023, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL club last summer and was loaned back to play with Skellefteå AIK this season.
This season, Sandin-Pellikka has 24 points in 31 SHL games, which is eight points off the league leader in defenseman despite missing six games for the IIHF World Junior Championship – where he captained the Swedish team and was named the tournament’s top defenseman for the second-straight year.
Skellefteå was apparently hoping that the talented young d-man would stay one more year with the club.
“It won’t happen,” said agent Claes Elefalk in an interview attributed to NSD, which is beyind a paywall.
Because Sandin-Pellikka is under contract with the Red Wings, they can ultimately decide where he will play, although NHL teams usually consult with the player and his European club to plan the best course for development. Likely impressed with his play in Sweden’s top league and in the World Juniors, however, they obviously think he’s ready to take the next step.
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“It’s always a struggle when we agents try to convince the clubs over there that it would be wise to give players another year in Sweden because they usually want to develop the guys in their environment,” the agent continued. “It was the same with him and they won’t agree to him doing another year here at home.”
Presumably, the Wings believe that Sandin-Pellikka can make a spot on the team's roster out of training camp in the autumn, although the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins are also a tool that’s available if they feel more development is needed.
Last season, Sandin-Pellikka was a member of the Skellefteå team that won the SHL title. The team has some work to do if it wants to repeat. Despite Sandin-Pellikka’s heroics, Skellefteå sits ninth in the 14-team SHL with 51 points in 37 games.