One of Detroit’s top prospects is defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka. The 19-year-old was the 17th overall pick in 2023 and signed his entry-level deal back in May, giving the Red Wings more options with where to assign him for next season. However, the blueliner indicated that his preference was to remain in Sweden for 2024-25, a plan the team has no issues with according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. Sandin-Pellikka had a productive showing last season with SHL Skelleftea, recording ten goals and eight assists in 39 games. He added seven more points in 14 playoff contests while seeing his ice time jump to over 22 minutes a night and if he can stay in that type of role for next season, the decision to stay in that league will likely prove to be the right one.
More from Detroit:
- Last month, GM Steve Yzerman indicated his preference wasn’t to carry three goalies again next season. However, he then went and added Cam Talbot and Jack Campbell in free agency while Ville Husso and Alex Lyon are still under contract, suggesting they’ll go with three netminders again in 2024-25. Connor Earegood of The Hockey News highlights one of the drawbacks of that approach as it pertains to roster management, suggesting that the third goalie could cut off an opportunity for one of their younger players to make the roster in training camp. Assuming their remaining RFAs re-sign, the Red Wings could have all 23 roster spots occupied by returnees, free agent additions, or prospects who are now waiver-eligible. They still have a few months to potentially open up a spot if they want to create an open roster spot for players to battle for.
- After spending the last three seasons as Detroit’s Director of Hockey Operations, Aaron Kahn has been promoted to Assistant GM while retaining his previous title as well, relays Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now. He joins Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper as those with an AGM title. Detroit is Kahn’s first stop in the NHL after a four-year collegiate career as a goaltender.