Red Wings Recall Top Prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka

2023 first-round pick joins NHL roster under emergency conditions

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:39pm

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The Detroit Red Wings have recalled defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids under emergency conditions. The 21-year-old Swede, a 2023 first-round draft pick, has recorded 19 points in 63 games with the Red Wings this season and is among the top-scoring rookie defensemen in the NHL.

Why it matters

Sandin-Pellikka is considered one of the Red Wings' top prospects and his recall under emergency conditions indicates the team is dealing with injuries on the blue line. His performance could impact the team's playoff push and provide a glimpse of the future as the Red Wings rebuild around young talent.

The details

Sandin-Pellikka, a 6-foot, 186-pound defenseman, has spent the majority of the season with the Red Wings, recording 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 63 games. His 19 points are the sixth-most among NHL rookie defensemen. He also has 3 points in 4 games with the Griffins this season. Sandin-Pellikka was Detroit's first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft and has previous experience in the Swedish Hockey League with Skellefteå AIK.

  • Sandin-Pellikka was recalled from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins on April 4, 2026 under emergency conditions.

The players

Axel Sandin-Pellikka

A 21-year-old defenseman who was the Detroit Red Wings' first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft. He has spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the Red Wings, recording 19 points in 63 games.

Detroit Red Wings

The NHL team that drafted and currently employs Axel Sandin-Pellikka. They have recalled him from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids under emergency conditions.

Grand Rapids Griffins

The American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, where Axel Sandin-Pellikka has also played this season.

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What’s next

Sandin-Pellikka will join the Red Wings' NHL roster and could make his NHL debut as soon as the team's next game.

The takeaway

The recall of top prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka is an exciting development for the rebuilding Red Wings, who are looking to their young talent to help the team return to the playoffs. Sandin-Pellikka's performance could provide a boost as the Red Wings make a late-season push.