Axel Sandin-Pellikka has been looming around the top of draft boards for a while now but with an impressive U18 tournament, he appears to have solidified himself as the best defenseman of the 2023 NHL draft.
In Craig Button's most recent rankings, Sandin-Pellikka has moved up to 5th overall behind only Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov.
Previously, Sandin-Pellikka was 10th on Button's board but after posting 11 points in 7 games and making the tournament all-star team.
Sandin-Pellikka is now primed to be selected in the 5-10 range, especially with the injury of another top defensive prospect, David Reinbacher.
As read on HouseOfHockey - Sandin Sends Top Draft Eligible Prospect to the Hospital in a Violent Scene
POLL | ||
MAI 15 | 173 ANSWERS Swedish Defenseman Skyrockets Up Draft Boards After Impressive U18 Tournament What team will Sandin-Pellikka go to? | ||
Montreal | 43 | 24.9 % |
Arizona | 38 | 22 % |
Philadelphia | 47 | 27.2 % |
Other | 45 | 26 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 82 | 56 | 22 | 4 | 116 | |
Capitals | 82 | 51 | 22 | 9 | 111 | |
Golden Knights | 82 | 50 | 22 | 10 | 110 | |
Maple Leafs | 82 | 52 | 26 | 4 | 108 | |
Stars | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
Kings | 82 | 48 | 25 | 9 | 105 | |
Avalanche | 82 | 49 | 29 | 4 | 102 | |
Lightning | 82 | 47 | 27 | 8 | 102 | |
Oilers | 82 | 48 | 29 | 5 | 101 | |
Hurricanes | 82 | 47 | 30 | 5 | 99 | |
Conference | Cumulative |