Axel Sandin-Pellikka (born 11 March 2005) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 17th overall by the Red Wings in the 2023 NHL entry draft.
Playing career Sandin-Pellikka played as a youth within Skellefteå AIK organization and made his professional debut in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) during the 2022–23 season.
In the 2023–24 season, Sandin-Pellikka played his first full season in the SHL with Skellefteå AIK, recording 10 goals and 18 points from the blueline in 39 games. His 10 goals were the most of any under-19 skater and he was named the recipient of the Salming Trophy as the best Swedish-born defenseman in the SHL. Sandin-Pellikka helped Skellefteå AIK claim the Le Mat Trophy in winning the SHL championship, tallying 7 points in 14 playoff games.
On 6 May 2024, Sandin-Pellikka was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
On 17 October 2025, Sandin-Pellikka scored his first NHL career goal for the Detroit Red Wings. in a game against the Tampa Bay Lighting.
International play
Sandin-Pellikka represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and won a silver medal.
Personal life Sandin-Pellikka is of Finnish descent through his father. The surname Pellikka is of Karelian origin.Suomalaistaustainen Axel Sandin Pellikka hioo taitojaan osaavassa ympäristössä: "Olen käyttänyt muovisia ukkoja, joiden ohi harhautan ja lauon", jatkoaika.com, 4 January 2023
Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2021–22 Skellefteå AIK J18 14 2 6 8 8 — — — — — 2021–22 Skellefteå AIK J20 14 1 2 3 6 — — — — — 2022–23 Skellefteå AIK J18 — — — — — 5 2 1 3 2 2022–23 Skellefteå AIK J20 31 16 20 36 64 2 0 1 1 0 2022–23 Skellefteå AIK SHL 22 2 3 5 0 — — — — — 2023–24 Skellefteå AIK SHL 39 10 8 18 17 14 2 5 7 2 2024–25 Skellefteå AIK SHL 46 12 17 29 22 11 1 7 8 2 2024–25 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 2 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 2025–26 Detroit Red Wings NHL 68 7 14 21 18 — — — — — 2025–26 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 6 2 1 3 0 8 1 3 4 2 SHL totals 107 24 28 52 39 25 3 12 15 4NHL totals 68 7 14 21 18 — — — — —
International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2022 Sweden HG18 5 0 2 2 6 2023 Sweden WJC 4th 7 0 1 1 6 2023 Sweden U18 7 2 9 11 0 2024 Sweden WJC 7 2 4 6 4 2025 Sweden WJC 4th 7 4 6 10 6 Junior totals 33 8 22 30 22
Awards and honours Award Year RefSHL Salming Trophy 2024 Le Mat Trophy 2024
References
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