Red Wings Prospect Notebook: Dower Nilsson Back; Sandin Pellikka Swedish Leader

Shortly after his attendance at the Detroit Red Wings development camp last summer, it was announced that left-winger Noah Dower Nilsson (73rd overall, 2023 NHL entry draft) would be undergoing shoulder surgery.

Not only did that put him on the shelf, it would wind up costing Dower Nilsson any hope of playing for Sweden in the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship.

Noah Dower Nilsson (#44), in his first game since offseason surgery, picks up an assist for his first SHL point #LGRW pic.twitter.com/EXuK539d16

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) December 19, 2023

He made his return to action this week in the SHL and it was a triumphant one. Dower Nilsson dished out an assist – his first-ever SHL point – in a 4-3 overtime victory for Frolunda over Skelleftea.

Sandin Pellikka Viewed As Leader

Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka (17th overall, 2023) was named as part of the leadership group as Sweden sets out in pursuit of World Junior glory on home ice. He will be serving as an alternate captain for Sweden’s team.

The Red Wings prospect has accounted for nine goals in 25 SHL games this season with Skellefta. Sandin Pellikka has also tallied three times in Champions League play.

“I know he’s playing pretty well, scoring some good goals,” Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said. “I read all the scouting reports and talk to our staff. I’ve seen a little bit of him on video playing. He’s having a really good year.

“We’re very encouraged by the season, how it’s progressed for him. It looks like he’s a real good prospect. So we’re very encouraged by it.”

Red Wings Pick Niederbach Dents Twine

In a 7-3 loss to Farjestad, Red Wings prospect Theoder Niederbach scored a power-play goal for MoDo. It was just the third goal of the season for the right-winger (51st overall, 2020) in his 25th game of the SHL campaign. Niederbach is also minus-10.

This is the year that Detroit must determine whether to offer Niederbach a contract or let him become a free agent.

Frk In Hot Water

Former Red Wings forward Martin Frk (2017-19) was on the receiving end five-game suspension in the Swiss League after his skate kicked into the neck for Lawrence Pilut during a board battle.

Former NHLer Martin Frk has been suspended five games for his high skate to Lawrence Pilut's neck area.

(via: @mysports_ch) pic.twitter.com/j4INL3ICaU

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 18, 2023

The incident came during a game Sunday between Frk’s Rapperswil-Jona Lakers and Pilut’s Lausanne HC.

Frk clearly is unhappy playing in Switzerland.

“Im not going to lie, I imagined it differently and I’m really struggling with it,” Frk told Czech website iSport.blesk.cz. “I’m not collecting many points, and we’re not doing well as a team in Rapperswil.”

Larsson SHL ROY Contender

Goaltender Filip Larsson was another Red Wings draft pick who didn’t pan out. However, after years of struggle, the former Grand Rapids Griffins goalie appears to be finding his game in the SHL.

Playing for Leksand, Larsson is 9.5 with a 1.97 GAA and .927 ave percentage. He’s being touted as a contender to be SHL rookie of the year.

Of course, another player also strongly in contention for this honor is Sandin Pellikka.