| Axel Sandin Pellikka | Skelleftea AIK | SHL | R | D | 5’11” | 181 | Gallivare, SWE | 2005 | 2022-2023: A |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran, March 23, 2023: Why an NHL draft pick? Oh my can this guy skate. On puck retrievals he creates separation in both the neutral zone and on dump-ins into his end. He can be at a stand still while his opponent is in full stride and he still can create space for himself. He can be at top speed and he pulls pucks off the wall with his eyes up looking past the nearest opponent so he can locate the passing or shooting lanes. Offensively he understands how to move without the puck and most importantly he does not over skate the passing lane or potential passing lane. His lateral mobility makes him very dangerous along the offensive blueline and he understands when to activate down the wall in a scissor or through the dot-lane to create confusion for the defending high forwards. His shots hit the net. He uses his smooth skating and quick first step to be an asset while killing penalties and although still slight he is winning 57% of his 50/50 puck battles. Why not an NHL draft pick? There’s really not much other than him 5’11” and 181lbs, but there’s not much doubt Sandin-Pellikka goes early.
U18: 5 Nation Tournament, November 8-14, 2022: Axel is a very skilled and excellent skating defenseman for this Swedish team. He possesses an offensive mindset and uses his speed and skill to contribute to offense as much as he can. Not very big at 5’11 and 180 pounds so he is either going to have to grow in size or continue to dominate as he can at times if he is to be a legit NHL prospect. His skating is at an elite level now, with great lateral mobility that allows him to get from mid ice to the boards very quickly to shut down attack lanes. He is fast retrieving pucks and is usually full speed by the time he is behind the net, allowing him to skate away from checking pressure. His passes are tape to tape with zip. And once he gets on the attack he likes to stay on the attack. He will pass and jump in as 3d or 4th man, or he can lead a rush with the puck. At times he is guilty of trying to do too much at times, forcing plays that shouldn’t or making the odd bad pinch decision, but good coaching will correct his instincts. He is an excellent point man on the PP, moves across the blueline amazingly well, can shift and shoot, and uses very quick snap or wrist shots to get pucks through to the net. On one particular shot he put it through a crowd and into the net without puck touching anything, a true seeing eye goal. He loves to jump off the blueline and penetrate the offensive zone from the backend. He even attempted the Michigan (in Michigan) so full marks for creativity. A good NHL prospect if he grows, or can elevate his game a bit more to compensate for his size. (Scout: Marlin Muylaert)
U18: Team Sweden vs Team Finland, November 10, 2022 (B+)and Team Sweden vs Team Czechia, November 11, 2022 (B+): He understands time and space well to create room for himself and his partner. Knows when to jump into the play offensively as a 3rd or 4th option. Good composure with the puck and normally distributes the puck to the right person. Will need to get physically stronger. (Scout: (Greg Puhalski)
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images