Dick Axelsson

History

2005-06: Played for Huddinge.  Axelsson was a surprise pick in the second round last year, but he has shown signs of good things to come for the Red Wings. He started the season on a tryout contract with Djurgården, but it would soon be clear that he was there to stay. Unfortunately his former team, Huddinge, couldn’t come to terms with Djurgården regarding his transfer, which caused him to miss much of the early-season action. Once he decided to return to Huddinge, he found himself playing on a poor team without much offensive support. But that didn’t stop him from picking up where he left off last season, on a torrid scoring pace

2006-07: Huddinge (Allsvenskan) gave Axelsson a shot this season and he didn’t disappoint, netting 13 goals and 21 points in 25 games. He also played at the international level, three games with the Swedish U20 squad where he registered a single goal.

2007-08: Axelsson played for Djurgarden this season, marking his first with the elite Swedish club. He recorded 25 points (12g+13a) in 47 games. He went on to play for Team Sweden, appearing in six games and totaling two goals.

2008-09: The winger suited up for two Elitserien clubs this season, first with Djurgarden and then with Farjestad. With Djurgarden, he netted five goals and 12 points in 18 games, and then finished the season by scoring six goals and 18 points in 21 games with Farjestad. He also played three games with Team Sweden, but registered only one assist. He is expected to come to the US and suit up for the Grand Rapids Griffins for the 2009-10 season.

2009-10: Axelsson opened the season in the AHL with Grand Rapids, appearing in 17 games with 2 goals, 3 assists. He opted to return to Sweden and played in 15 SEL games with Farjestads BK Karlstad with 6 goals, 4 assists for 10 points. He scored 1 goal and 2 assists in 7 playoff games in Sweden.

Talent Analysis

Axelsson has great size and is an aggressive and physical player. He has good timing in his hits. His skating, the intensity he plays with and his forechecking is quite good. Axelsson's main asset is his hockey sense and he is good at finding passing openings. At the same time he is a good scorer. Technical skills and hands are good. There is room for improvement when it comes to his defensive game and his acceleration.

Future

His future as a member of the Red Wings is in question, as he left North America to return to Sweden in December of 2009. He will return to Farjestads of the SEL for the 2010-11 season.