Axel Sandin Pellikka, the skillful defenseman taken 17th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2023, scored a goal and assisted on the game-winning goal in Sweden’s 5-2 World Junior Championship semifinal victory against Czechia on Thursday.
Sweden will meet the winner of today’s semifinal between the United States and Finland in the gold medal game on Friday in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sandin Pellikka scored a long wrist shot at 2:35 of the second session to give Sweden a 2-1 lead. At 5:14 of the third period, he set up Jonathan Lekkerimaki’s power-play goal, which broke a 2-2 tie.
In the third session, when Sweden scored three straight goals, Lekkerimaki (chosen 15th overall by Vancouver in 2022) scored again.
In 20:01, Sandin Pellikka had one shot and a plus-1 rating. In six games, he has two goals and three assists and leads the club in average ice time (20:38).
Moritz Elias scored 58 seconds into overtime to send Germany above Norway in this relegation game. The victory secures Germany’s place in next year’s World Junior Championship in Ottawa. Kevin Bicker, a left winger drafted by the Red Wings in the fifth round (147th overall) in 2023, scored and assisted for Germany.
The Detroit Red Wings are on their way to the west coast, looking to kick off 2024 on a high note. Meanwhile, keep up with the latest Red Wings news and rumors, including trade speculation, as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches.
Patrick Kane Trade Discussions
NHL source Chris Johnston said on OverDrive that the Red Wings could attempt to trade Patrick Kane if they fall farther out of the playoff picture. He also mentioned that a similar agreement was considered when Kane joined with Detroit.
This makes sense on the surface. The Red Wings have a high-performing player on an expiring contract who will undoubtedly attract attention. It makes no difference who that guy is – if the team isn’t going to make the playoffs, they should look into purchasing assets for said player.
It’s worth remembering, however, that when the Chicago Blackhawks traded Kane last year, they only received a conditional second-round pick in 2023 and a fourth-round pick in 2025. This should not be an issue this year, in my opinion.
Kane essentially stated that he only wanted to play for the New York Rangers, and the above-mentioned return was all that Chicago could provide. If the Red Wings follow suit, this year should be a good one.
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