There are compelling reasons why the Detroit Red Wings should keep defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka on the roster.
The second-year rearguard is a dynamic offensive performer.
“He does have that vision and those hands to create for teammates,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan acknowledged.
At the same time, Sandin-Pelllikka often looked overmatched defensively in his first NHL season. Ultimately, it led to him being reassigned to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.
Has his play without the pack advanced to a point where he can handle himself and be a capable NHL defender?
Perhaps.
“I actually think he’s played better defensively as well,” McLellan said. “A couple of hiccups here and there, but he’s no worse for wear than maybe some of our other D-men.”
So do all the variables add up to a place on Detroit’s 23-player roster for Sandin-Pellikka when the season-opening lineup is announced on Monday?
Maybe.
“Obviously, they’re going to pick a roster, and we’ll see what happens,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “I’m trying not to think too much about that. Just prepare for what’s up.”
Why Sandin-Pellikka Should Make The Red Wings
Sandin-Pellikka’s offensive skill level is already elite. His two preseason goals emphasized that again. Both were impressive one-timers.
“Axe has some real special attributes,” McLellan said. “His ability with the puck and his deception and power play.”
Last season, Sandin-Pellikka was third among NHL rookie defensemen in goals (seven) and fifth in points (21), all while playing only 68 games.
If he displays an uptick in that area, it’s not inconceivable that four Red Wings defensemen could reach double digits in goals: Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Justin Faulk, and Sandin-Pellikka.
Faulk likes what Sandin-Pellikka can add to the Detroit rearguard.
“He can skate, he can move the puck, he can shoot it pretty well,” Faulk said. “He’s another exciting player to have in the mix.”
Why ASP Won’t be Staying in Detroit
But will he be part of the mix? Variables are working against Sandin-Pellikka.
The Wings gave Sandin-Pellikka some penalty-kill ice time in the preseason. At six feet and 189 pounds, he’s not a beast of a defender. Positional play is important so that he’s not outmuscled physically while defending.
The numbers game also isn’t working in Sandin-Pellikka’s favor. He can go down to the minors without first clearing AHL waivers.
He was minus-20 last season. The young Swede faces the challenge that all defensemen who enter the NHL must adapt to if they want to survive. Sandin-Pellikka must play well without the puck.
“It’s a hard league as a young D,” Faulk said. “We’ve all, as D, have been there. It takes time.”
Faulk also recognizes there are elements to Sandin-Pellikka’s game that few NHL defenders possess.
“He can’t pick up on all the tendencies and stuff right away,” Faulk said. “But when you have the base that he has of the skating and the ability and the vision and the playmaking and the shooting and whatnot, it allows him to get around the ice a little bit more and kind of get comfortable playing that style a little bit.”
Bob Duff has worked in the sports media industry since 1984 and covered the Red Wings since 1988. As … More about Bob Duff