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Red Wings rookie earns large promotion from Todd McLellan, but a veteran is demoted ahead of facing Kraken
Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka's recent offensive showing on the blue line has earned him a large promotion from head coach Todd McLellan, ahead of their matchup on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken.
A main reason as to why Axel Sandin-Pellikka was selected with the 17th overall pick in 2023 was his ability to quarterback a power play.
The young defenseman proved that ability while representing Team Sweden at the World Juniors on the international stage.
Now, he's taking his talents to Detroit's first power play unit.
«We've gone a while with Axe, and all along we anticipated that he'd probably get an opportunity there, but we just didn't want to give it to him right off the bat,» coach Todd McLellan said. «We wanted to see how he'd handle the other unit going into (Sunday's) game. We'd given up opportunities the night before on some sloppy play, so it was a small adjustment, and I thought he did a really good job in that situation. Our power play was dangerous that night. Only got us one (goal), but it was very dangerous, and he played a big role in it."
- Todd McLellan
- Todd McLellan
Red Wings demote Moritz Seider from top power play unit Tuesday
In the midst of a rookies promotion, Seider now finds himself demoted to the second unit.
Todd McLellan explained his reasoning behind this decision.
«And then on the other unit, I thought Mo (Seider) had a real good shooting mentality, feeding pucks through, and we definitely need that as well. So, for one night, I thought it was mission accomplished, but it's got to show up every night.»
Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane, topped off with Axel Sandin-Pellikka on the blue line, show a glimpse of dominance and promise for Detroit's future.
«He has real good vision. He moves laterally, but he's calm,» McLellan said. «A quarterback has to create opportunities or holes or ice for other people. Even in football, you have to be able to hold the ball long enough so that your receivers can get the holes and stuff like that. And Axe does a good job of that. He's got good vision, and that's been his calling card throughout his young career, especially over in Sweden.»
Buckle up Red Wings fans, tonight will be a treat to watch!
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 18 | 434 ANSWERS Red Wings rookie earns large promotion from Todd McLellan, but a veteran is demoted ahead of facing Kraken Do you think the Detroit Red Wings are making the wrong decision by removing Moritz Seider from the PP1? | ||
| Yes | 192 | 44.2 % |
| NO | 242 | 55.8 % |
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