Axel Sandin‑Pellikka has made it clear that a return to Sweden to play for Skellefteå AIK is a long‑term goal. He recently watched his former SHL club capture the championship and admitted feeling a sting of envy, a reminder of how strongly he still feels connected to his roots.
The 2023‑24 season marked Sandin‑Pellikka’s first full campaign in North America, where he spent the majority of the year with the Detroit Red Wings. In 45 games he contributed seven goals and 21 points, showing flashes of offensive upside while adjusting to a new style of play.
Mid‑season, however, his defensive lapses prompted the coaching staff to assign him to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. The demotion was a sobering moment, but Sandin‑Pellikka accepted it without complaint, focusing instead on refining his game and earning a permanent spot.
Looking ahead
With the Red Wings bolstering their blue line over the offseason, the competition for roster places has intensified. Analysts suggest that Sandin‑Pellikka could open the 2026‑27 campaign back in Grand Rapids, where he can continue to develop under a more structured defensive system.
Off the ice, the Swedish defenseman says he will approach every practice and game with intensity, using each shift as an opportunity to grow. He remains committed to turning his developmental setbacks into stepping stones toward a more consistent professional presence.
If he does return to the Griffins, the experience will likely serve as a bridge back to the NHL, bringing him closer to the ultimate objective of establishing himself as a reliable NHL defenseman.