Detroit sends promising defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka to Grand Rapids for crucial game action and development.
The Detroit Red Wings have reassigned 21-year-old Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The move, announced late Sunday, is seen as a temporary step to get Sandin-Pellikka consistent game action and help him regain his rhythm as the Red Wings approach the end of the regular season.
Sandin-Pellikka has spent most of the 2025-26 season with Detroit, appearing in 63 games and recording 6 goals and 13 assists for 19 points. He has struggled defensively, with a minus-21 rating, and his role has been reduced in recent weeks following the addition of veteran defenseman Justin Faulk at the trade deadline. Sandin-Pellikka has not played in a game since March 6.
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In the Swedish Hockey League during the 2023-24 season, he recorded 10 goals and 18 points in 39 games, the most goals of any under-19 defenseman in the league, and helped his club win the SHL championship.
Sandin-Pellikka joins a Griffins team that has struggled as of late as Grand Rapids has lost five of their last seven contests, though their overall record remains strong at 44-13-3-1 for second-best in the league. Regular minutes in Grand Rapids will give him a chance to focus on defensive decision-making and positioning before rejoining Detroit’s lineup.
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