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2024-25 Player in Review: Axel Sandin-Pellikka

2024-25 Player in Review: Axel Sandin-Pellikka

Jul 11, 2025

Written By: Andrew Streitel

Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka appeared in two regular-season games with the Griffins, claiming his first AHL point with an assist during his debut on April 18 at Rockford. The 20-year-old then suited up for three Calder Cup Playoff games, making his postseason debut on April 29 against Texas.

Sandin-Pellikka spent the majority of the campaign in the SHL with Skelleftea, registering 29 points (12-17—29), 22 penalty minutes and an even plus-minus rating in 46 regular-season games. He added eight points (1-7—8), two penalty minutes and a minus-two rating in 11 postseason games in the SHL. He was named the SHL Best Junior by Eliteprospects.com and the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year, as he paced all junior SHL players in goals and points.

Sandin-Pellikka also served as captain for Team Sweden at the World Junior Championship, showing 10 points (4-6—10), six penalty minutes and a plus-eight rating in seven games. He ranked first among the tournament’s defensemen in goals and was named a top three player for Team Sweden. Sandin-Pellikka was also named to the World Junior Championship All-Star Team and was dubbed the Best Defenseman at the tournament for the second straight year.

Regular Season Stat Line

2 GP, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, -2 rating, 2 PIMs with GRG
46 GP, 12 goals, 17 assists, 29 points, +0 rating, 22 PIMs with SKL (SHL)

Postseason Stat Line

3 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -1 rating, 0 PIMs with GRG
11 GP, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points, -2 rating, 2 PIMs with SKL (SHL)

Contract Status

Under contract with Detroit through 2026-27 season

By the Numbers

18 – Made AHL regular-season debut on April 18 at Rockford, securing first AHL point with an assist

29 – Made Calder Cup Playoffs debut on April 29 against Texas

42 – Competed in a career-high 46 games with Skelleftea in SHL

1 – Logged a career-high numbers in goals, assists, points, and penalty minutes

10 – Served as captain for Team Sweden at World Junior Championship and was named to the all-star team, showing 10 points (4-6—10) in seven games and pacing the tournament’s defensemen in goals

1 – Named the SHL Best Junior by Eliteprospects.com and named the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year

2 – Named the World Junior Championship Best Defenseman for the second straight year

1 – Ranked first among junior SHL players in goals and points

7 – Seven assists and eight points in SHL playoffs both set new postseason career bests

7 – Showed seven multi-point outings in SHL

3 – Season-high three points on Oct. 24 against Farjestad (1-2—3) and March 23 at Farjestad (0-3—3)

2 – Season-high two goals on Jan. 25 at Malmo, both on the power play

3 – Season-best three-game assist streak from Oct. 10-17

7 – Scored seven power-play goals with Skelleftea