Red Wings Rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka Seeing Fewer Minutes - But It’s Not All About Performance
If you’ve been watching the Detroit Red Wings closely over the past few weeks, you might’ve noticed something: rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka isn’t logging as much ice time as he was earlier in the season. And you’d be right - his minutes have been trending downward over the last 20 games.
So what’s going on here? Is it a performance issue?
A strategic shift? Let’s break it down.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
First off, Sandin-Pellikka’s five-on-five ice time began to dip following a tough stretch around Games 28 to 31. That’s when things got a little rocky.
But since then? He’s stabilized.
His high-danger chances against per 60 minutes (HDCA/60) - a solid indicator of defensive impact - has been right in line with the rest of Detroit’s blue line. Not elite, not problematic.
Just steady.
That checks out when you look at his pairing. Sandin-Pellikka has spent over 500 five-on-five minutes next to veteran Ben Chiarot this season, and their defensive metrics are pretty much in sync. No red flags there.
Deployment-wise, there’s been no major shift in how the Red Wings are using him. He’s still getting a balanced mix of zone starts - offensive, defensive, and neutral - so it’s not like the coaching staff is suddenly trying to hide him from tough matchups.
What has changed is who’s getting the nod for those extra shifts. Lately, Albert Johansson and Jacob Bernard-Docker have been the ones picking up more ice time, not Sandin-Pellikka.
One area that has seen a bit of a dip is puck security. Since December 1, Sandin-Pellikka’s giveaways have ticked up to 3.96 per 60 minutes, compared to 3.34 prior. It’s not a glaring issue, but it’s something to keep an eye on - especially for a young defenseman still adjusting to the pace and pressure of the NHL.
Offensive Contributions Still Strong
Now, if you’re wondering whether this is part of a broader slump, the offensive numbers say otherwise. Since December 1, Sandin-Pellikka leads all Detroit defensemen in five-on-five points per 60 minutes, clocking in at 1.16. That’s not just respectable - it’s impressive, especially for a 20-year-old in his first NHL season.
So if the defense is holding steady and the offense is clicking, why the reduced role?
Managing the Rookie Grind
This might come down to something far simpler: load management.
This is Sandin-Pellikka’s first season in the NHL, and it’s a grind unlike anything he’s experienced before. The schedule is especially condensed this year due to the upcoming Olympic break, which means less rest and more wear and tear - even for a young player with fresh legs.
Detroit’s coaching staff may be dialing back his minutes not because they’re unhappy with his play, but because they want to keep him fresh for the stretch run. And that could be a smart move.
What Comes Next?
Looking ahead, the Red Wings are in a position where they’ll want Sandin-Pellikka to be a factor down the stretch. If they’re serious about making a playoff push - and all signs point to that - then having a poised, confident young defenseman ready to handle big minutes could be a game-changer.
Here’s a sensible path forward:
- Stay the course through the Olympic break - Let him catch his breath and reset.
- Use the break as a physical and mental recharge - The downtime could be crucial for a rookie navigating his first full NHL season.
- Ramp up ice time post-Olympics - If he’s ready, bump him back up to 18-19 minutes per night and see how he responds.
Of course, there’s another wrinkle to consider. There are four games between the end of the Olympic break and the NHL trade deadline. The Red Wings are expected to be buyers this year, and adding a veteran defenseman to bolster the blue line is very much on the table.
That could complicate the picture for Sandin-Pellikka. More competition means fewer guaranteed minutes.
But here’s the thing: he still controls his own destiny. If he plays well, he’ll stay in the mix.
If he keeps producing and holds his own defensively, he won’t be bumped down the lineup - no matter who Detroit brings in.
Final Thought
Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s recent dip in ice time isn’t a cause for concern - it’s a reminder of how teams manage young talent in a long, grueling season. The Red Wings clearly see value in him, and the numbers back that up. Now it’s about pacing him properly so that when the games start to matter most, he’s ready to rise to the moment.