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Update- the Grand Rapids Griffins have signed Nicklas Andrews, former MSU Dman currently signed with Toledo. Click Tweet for a link to the Griffins write up
While this is a few days old, Axel Sandin-Pellikka (as of 4 days ago) set another record in the SHL with his 12th playoff point marking the most by a Dman under 20 in league history.
The Wait for ASP and his accomplishments belie the age of
the 2023 17th overall pick. This is the list of accomplishments in his first 2 post draft seasons:
2023-2024 • SHL Champion
• Swedish Defenseman of the Year (Salming Trophy)
• U20 WJC Best Defenseman
• U20 WJC Silver Medal
2024-2025 • SHL Most Goals by Junior (12)
• SHL Most Points by Junior (29)
• Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year (Årets Junior)
• U20 WJC All-Star Team
• U20 WJC Best Defenseman
• U20 WJC Most Goals by Defenseman (4)
• U20 WJC Top 3 Player on Team
As with Augustine, fans and the organization alike can’t wait for his arrival. Having just turned 20, his European resume is fairly complete. The good news is, the right shot Dman signed his ELC and will reportedly be headed over after his team’s post season run.
The most consistent viewing (personally) was at the IIHC Worlds. What amazed me was how similar his skating is to Lucas Raymond. On the power play, Axel will skate down to the off wing faceoff dot and has a fantastic shot. Now it’s time to put it all up against the size and speed of the AHL and NHL.
There is no bigger jump (opinion) in hockey than from any league to the NHL. After Ovechkin’s historic goal, a stat was given that fewer than 6100 players have scored 1 or more goals in the league since its inception. The AHL(again opinion) is a massive shift in physicality from European hockey. Sometimes it feels like a bit more of a throw back in that sense. There are players who will crunch you to say hello.
Still, the skill set has had the eyes of the league and this could be a huge add for Detroit. Ideally he’ll be paired with a “stay at home” big man to find balance in the game. At 5’11” the player may well have more than a few opponents looking to take a run. It is probably safe to assume that ASP’s first game will have the eyes of the entire organization as well as healthy dose of the fan base.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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