Red Wings and Steve Yzerman acquire new future face of the franchise in Nashville
Photo credit: NHL
The Detroit Red Wings and General Manager Steve Yzerman acquired the newest face of their franchise in 2023 at the Nashville NHL draft and it's been one of his best draft picks in recent history.
Axel Sandin Pellika has proven to be a star already and scored his first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday.
He's already proven to be one of the Red Wings' best defensemen, being placed on the 2nd pairing with Simon Edvinsson.
The apex of his hockey career began in Nashville:
"They acquired him in the 2023 NHL entry draft in Nashville"
In his first 5 games, the Swedish-born defenseman is already proving to be a contributor and has settled into the role given to him in the Red Wings' youth movement.
The newest face of the franchise scored his first NHL goal during the first 20 minutes of the game against the Lightning, defeating goaltender Andrei Vasilevskyi glove-side.
Following the conclusion of the match, he was asked about how he felt reaching his first NHL milestone.
"Unbelievable," he said of his goal. "It was hard to wrap my head around what was going on when it happened, but it's an awesome feeling. It's hard to describe."
Sandin-Pellikka took advantage of his positioning to score.
"I saw a lane," he said of what he saw on the play. "Just get it on net and good things happen, I guess."
Axel Sandin-Pellikka Becomes The Newest Face of the Detroit Red Wings
The former 17th overall pick of the Detroit Red Wings was one of three prospects who made the opening night roster, along with Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Emmitt Finnie.
Finnie joined the celebration with excitement, as they all surrounded ASP, who came away with his first NHL goal.
The Red Wings earned an OT victory, 2-1 over the Lightning, thanks to his help.
Now, ASP will have to tighten his game up as the Edmonton Oilers head to Little Caesars Arena to face off against the upstart Red Wings with a 4-1-0 record.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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