The Detroit Red Wings have completed a 2-player roster move
Photo credit: The Daily Faceoff
Two of the most highly touted prospects in the Red Wings' organization, Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, are taking the next steps in their careers.
They're a pair of the most highly touted prospects waiting in the wings, and they're taking the next steps in their professional careers.
Minutes ago, the Detroit Red Wings announced that prospects Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard have been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins:
Sandin-Pellikka, taken with the 17th overall pick by the Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, set multiple records while playing this year with Skelleftea AIK of the SHL. One of them was becoming the highest-scoring junior aged defenseman in League history:
In 46 games, he had 29 points (12G, 17A); he followed that up with 9 points (1G, 8A) in 11 playoff games.
During the 2025 World Junior Championship, he was named the captain of Team Sweden and demonstrated his offensive prowess by netting a hat trick in the opening game against Slovakia:
He also picked up high praise from Swedish national team coach Sam Hallam, who said that he was the SHL's best defenseman:
He has basically been the SHL's best offensive defenseman.
He just keeps taking steps, he's never satisfied. We felt we really wanted to test him at this level.
It's a step up. I'm absolutely convinced he has the puck game in him. Then it'll be fun to see him in the game without the puck here, too.
He just keeps taking steps, he's never satisfied. We felt we really wanted to test him at this level.
It's a step up. I'm absolutely convinced he has the puck game in him. Then it'll be fun to see him in the game without the puck here, too.
Brandsegg-Nygard, who was taken by the Red Wings with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, is the 1st Norwegian native to be taken in the opening round of the NHL Draft.
He had 11 points (5G, 6A) in 42 games played with Skelleftea AIK.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 15 | 227 ANSWERS The Detroit Red Wings have completed a 2-player roster move Will Axel Sandin-Pellikka be on the Red Wings roster next year? | ||
| Yes | 188 | 82.8 % |
| No | 39 | 17.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
