Top 5 players the Capitals must draft

#4 Axel Sandin Pellikka

Axel Sandin Pellikka is a defenseman from Skellleftea AIK of the SHL. Last season for J20 he had 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points. Then in the SHL he had two goals and three assists for five points.

On the international Jr. stage for Sweden U18 he had 21 points in 19 games with five goals and 16 assists. He also added 11 points in seven games with two goals and nine assists for the WJC 18.

Adam Kimelman of NHL.com has the Caps taking him in his mock draft and explained more:

"The Capitals have done well with adding young forwards at the top of the draft the past few seasons, with Connor McMichael (2019, No. 25) and Hendrix Lapierre (2020, No. 22) looking like they’re ready for more. Now would be a good time to address the defense, and Sandin Pellikka (5-11, 180) is the best defenseman prospect available. He had 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 31 games in Sweden’s junior league and is the best offensive-minded defenseman in the draft."

Elite Prospects added in their 2023 NHL Draft Guide:

"Sandin Pellikka is an offensive defenceman with legitimate first-unit power play upside. His puck skills, playmaking, shot, and the ability to walk an offensive blue line make him a credible scoring threat with the puck on his stick, as does his ability to process options and make plays at speed off the rush. The Swedish blueliner is an engaged defender, particularly stout between the blue lines and along the boards."