Report: Red Wings First Round ...

On Wednesday morning (at least Detroit time), Rasmus Kågström of the Swedish outlet Folkbladet reported that the plan for Axel Sandin-Pellikka (whom the Red Wings selected with the 17th pick in the 2023 Draft) is to finish the season in North America, after his campaign with Swedish club Skellefteå AIK wraps up.

Just a few days ago, Sandin-Pellikka set a new record for goals by a junior-aged (i.e. under 20) defenseman in the SHL with a dozen, and he's heading into the stretch run of another productive campaign with Skellefteå.  That he would finish the year by coming over to North America for a few games after his European campaign concludes would seem a natural progression two years on from being drafted.

Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman said as much in his post-trade deadline comments.  When asked about whether Sandin-Pellikka might come to North America at the end of the year, Yzerman replied, "It's a possibility for sure...What I prefer to say is historically it's been done with players under contract and whatnot once their season is over. I think out of respect to him and his team, they're focused on making the playoffs and having a good run, and we'll see what happens once his season is over...It's definitely something to consider."

Of course, coming to North America opens two potential doors.  Sandin-Pellikka could join the Grand Rapids Griffins as they conclude their season, or he could take the more exciting path of coming straight to Detroit to play as a Red Wing.

Assuming he does indeed come to North America, there are a lot of factors that could condition whether he reports to GR or the big club.  Not least is Detroit's standings by the time Sandin-Pellikka comes over.  He turned 20 on Tuesday, and it would be a lot easier to fold a 20-year-old defenseman with zero games of NHL experience into action if the Red Wings aren't still fighting for a playoff berth.

While an end-of-season cameo could be exciting, the bigger question for Sandin-Pellikka is where he winds up to start the '25-26 campaign, presumably in either Detroit or Grand Rapids.  Under Yzerman, Red Wings prospects (especially on defense) have typically had to prove they can thrive with the Griffins before graduating to the NHL, but perhaps Sandin-Pellikka can buck that trend.

Where do you think Sandin-Pellikka winds up by the end of the year and start of next season?  Will he need to season in GR or is he ready for the big show?  Vote in the poll to weigh in.