Axel Sandin Pellikka

September 2022 – Sandin-Pellikka had a solid season for Skellefteå’s J18 and J20 teams in Sweden last year, but I didn’t have him very high on my list when the season started. However, he has started the season very strong, and I would argue that he was Team Sweden’s best player at August’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He has also started the J20 Nationell campaign with five points in four games and has performed well in the Champions League against men.

Sandin-Pellikka is an offensive-minded two-way defender. He moves the puck very well on the breakout and likes to jump into the rush if an opportunity presents itself. He possesses strong four-way mobility and quick feet and controls the puck with confidence, even under pressure. Sandin-Pellikka has an aggressive style of play as he likes to pinch into the offensive zone, and he is eager to close the gap when defending the rush. It will be interesting to see how his season goes, but if he can keep up his strong start, he will make his way into the first round conversation. Eetu Siltanen