Penguins Draft Profiles: Axel Sandin-Pellikka
One of the premier defensemen in the 2023 NHL Draft could be available during the Pittsburgh Penguins' first round pick.
It's been assumed that if the Pittsburgh Penguins retain their first round draft pick in the upcoming draft, they will use it to select a forward. Most scouts and pundits have mocked the Penguins taking a variety of forwards at number fourteen. But what if a defenseman is the best player available when it's their turn to pick? Inside the Penguins continues their draft coverage with one of the most talented defensemen in the class: Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
Essentials:
2022-23 Team: Skelleftea AIK (Sweden)
Position: Defense
Height and Weight: 5’11, 181 pounds
NHL Central Scouting: 7th (among European skaters)
Elite Prospects: 14th
The Hockey News: 13th
2022-23 Stats (SHL): 22 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 P
2022-23 Stats (J20 Nationell): 31 GP, 16 G, 20 A, 36 P
Player Breakdown:
One of the most exciting players to watch in this year’s class, Sandin-Pellikka is an offensive highlight reel. A future power play specialist in the NHL, he displays a professional level ability to get into scoring position. He spent a majority of his past season in the Swedish junior league, and he put up points like a forward, averaging more than a point per game.
He can shoot, skates with a butter-like smoothness, and distributes the puck with an all-star level of confidence. When he’s on his game, he looks like the most promising defender in this draft class.
Sandin-Pellikka’s most exciting trait is his knack for jumping into the play to create an odd-man rush or provide support. He loves to join the rush, and he’s an incredibly skilled playmaker in transition. Whether he has the puck on his stick or not, he’s putting himself in a position to make a play.
What also sticks out for most scouts is his power play skills. He was a rover this past season with the man advantage. He often rotated between being the puck carrier for zone entries, a point shot option, and a left face-off dot floater. He’s so versatile in his offensive arsenal, that he can play anywhere you need him too on the power play.
What Needs to Improve:
There is so much to love about his game, but he has yet to establish he can bring that same production to a professional level league. Yes, he tore up the junior tournament circuit and junior-20 leagues in Sweden this past season, but his stats show he had some trouble transitioning to the next level.
With a March birthday, it’s fair to suggest his struggles can be attributed to being a 17-year-old playing against some men that were double his age. Still, the holes in his game are apparent: he has a strong sense but often looked overmatched by the strength and physicality of his SHL opponents. He should progress in this regard as he develops, and hopefully his hockey sense and puck management will help him overcome those deficiencies as well.
NHL Player Comparison: Kris Letang
NHL ETA: 2026
Any team that selects Sandin-Pellikka knows they are in it for the long haul. He needs to bulk up, gain more experience playing against older men in the SHL, and then transition to the North American game from there. Despite the long-term investment needed, if he reaches his ceiling he projects to be a 40-50 point scorer who can run your power play and give you 20 minutes of ice-time per game. Don’t expect him to get there just yet, but with time he will be regular defenseman in the NHL.
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