NHL Draft profiles: Sandin Pellika is top offensive defenseman available

Axel Sandin Pellikka speaks at the NHL's scouting combine on Saturday.BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Much of the buzz around the incoming 2023 NHL Draft class is understandably around the forwards. With Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson and Matvei Michkov among the ranks, it's an incredibly strong group.

It's easy for the defensemen to be overlooked this year.

The top two defensemen in this draft are David Reinbacher and Axel Sandin Pellikka. Both blueliners are expected to be mid-first round picks, and could be on the board when the Penguins are on the clock with the 14th overall pick in the draft on June 28 in Nashville, Tenn.

Both defensemen told me they interviewed with the Penguins at last…