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Last season, Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka was one of three rookies to make the Detroit Red Wings’ opening-night roster.
He ultimately appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 NHL season, recording seven goals and 14 assists while posting a minus-20 rating.
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After returning to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, he appeared in eight Calder Cup Playoff games, recording one goal and three assists.
Sandin-Pellikka has already made his presence felt during the Red Wings’ preseason, scoring on a powerful shot in Tuesday’s 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The goal showcased the shot that has fans excited about his potential to become a consistent offensive threat at the NHL level.
Upon his return to North America after spending the summer in his native Sweden, Sandin-Pellikka said he believes last season’s experience will serve him well going forward.
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“I’m excited; having that experience and being here that first year is going to help a lot,” he said. “Just experience-wise, knowing what’s going on all the time and how we play over here, it’s a lot easier to adapt. I feel like I’ve gotten stronger, and I’m excited.”
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Not only did Sandin-Pellikka tally in Detroit’s win over the Penguins, but forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, who also made the Opening Night roster last season, scored twice.
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According to head coach Todd McLellan, both Sandin-Pellikka and Brandsegg-Nygård are in a far better position than they were at this point last year, and they have every right to feel confident.
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“He should be confident and feel good,” McLellan said. “We went through Axe’s progression and how he finished in Grand Rapids, and we said he and (Brandsegg-Nygård ) should come back confident – coming back and feeling good, way better than last year at this time.
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He handled the puck, made some really good plays, defended fairly well,” he continued. “So, he’s where he should be. Just have to keep pushing away and believing in himself, and it’ll take over.”
Sandin-Pellikka was selected by the Red Wings in the first round (17th overall pick) of the 2023 NHL Draft, and is entering the second year of his three-year deal carrying a $940,833 salary cap hit.
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