Red Wings 2023 first round pick Axel Sandin Pellikka scores a glorious goal in the SHL
After reports he might join the Red Wings for training camp like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Axel Sandin-Pellikka (whom Detroit selected 17th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft) opted, in consultation with Red Wings brass, to remain in Sweden with Skelleftea AIK. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman mentioned at his pre-camp press availability that he felt it was a good home for Sandin-Pellikka and that he didn't want to re-think a plan both player and team already felt good about. As it turns out, the decision (among other things) afforded the young defenseman the chance to score an absolutely sensational goal in today's game between Skelleftea and HV71.
Sandin-Pellikka takes a pass at the blue line and devastates the ankles of the onrushing HV player with a head fake at the point:
And another look:
Skelleftea has already played thrice in the Champions Hockey League for the new season, but this was just the team's second SHL game. Sandin-Pellikka has scored in each, getting his year off the mark at a goal-a-game pace.