NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Detroit Red Wings used their second first-round pick on a Swedish defenseman.
Axel Sandin Pellikka was taken at No. 17 overall on Wednesday, the first night of the NHL draft. He is an offensive defenseman with the skill set to run a power play. His playmaking, vision, shot and mobility make him an attractive package.
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He shoots right, so he addressed the vacancy that opened when Steve Yzerman traded Filip Hronek at the deadline. It was, in fact, the pick the Wings got for Hronek that was used to draft Sandin Pellikka.
Earlier Wednesday, the Wings picked Nate Danielson with the ninth overall pick, adding a 6-foot-2 center to their farm system.
Contact Helene St. At James [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for us Red Wings newsletter. Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NHL draft: Detroit Red Wings select Axel Sandin Pellikka 17th overall