Sandin Pellikka Played Hurt at WJC, Set to Miss Extended Time
Per reports from various Swedish outlets, Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka was playing hurt by the end of the World Junior Championship, and now will miss an extended period
According to three different Swedish media outlets (HockeyNews.se, Aftonbladet, and Folkbladet), prized Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka picked up an injury that left him playing hurt by the final of the World Junior Championship in Gothenburg. Now, the 18-year-old is expected to be out on the order of weeks to months as he recovers.
Sandin Pellikka (along with fellow Red Wing defense prospect Anton Johansson) earned silver medals for their efforts, ultimately falling in the final at the hands of Trey Augustine and Team USA.
Despite that disappointing conclusion, Sandin Pellikka had an excellent tournament for the Swedes. He was named the event's top defenseman by the tournament directorate. The high-water mark of his WJC came with a semi-final overtime goal to beat Czechia and send Sweden to the final.
He finished the event with two goals and four assists in seven games, and, per the below hand-tracked data from Lassi Alanen of Elite Prospects, Sandin Pellikka's underlying numbers from the tournament were also outstanding. His transition numbers were particularly strong.
Sandin Pellikka has enjoyed an excellent season to date with Skellefteå AIK in the SHL, but, for about a month, that campaign will have to be put on hold for his recovery.
This story will be updated if and when more information comes to light about the specifics of the injury.
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