Red Wings Other Johansson Enjoys Big Game

There’s been no shortage of curiosity about Detroit Red Wings defensive prospect Albert Johansson this summer. Following two seasons with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, the Swedish defenseman is out of options and would need to be clearing NHL waivers to be sent back to GR.

That means he’ll be given his shot with the Red Wings this season to prove he’s an NHL-caliber rearguard.

“Albert Johansson will get an opportunity to have an impact on the D corps and fit in somehow and we’re confident at some point he will play,” Detroit GM Steve Yzerman said.

Anton Johansson
•“One year left in Leksand, but that doesn't matter when it comes to an NHL club. If Detroit misses me, it's up to them to decide where I'm going.”
•When asked where he’ll play next year “It's hard to answer because I have no idea”#LGRWhttps://t.co/CtU0eCpCSR

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) May 8, 2024

There’s been much fuss over Albert’s impending NHL debut. Sometimes, that makes it easy to forget there’s another Red Wings Swedish defensive prospect with the name Johansson. And he’s also working his way up the club’s organizational ladder.

Red Wings Prospect Johansson Scores Twice

It’s Anton Johansson and he’s doing his utmost to also get noticed. Saturday, in Swedish Hockey League preseason action, Johansson was scoring twice, pacing his club Leksand IF to a 6-3 victory over Valerengen.

Anton Johansson(4th round’22 for Leksands if) leads a nice rush and picks up the primary assist. #10 in white. He’s a really good skater. #LGRW https://t.co/Q1ZuK46PCQ pic.twitter.com/kpIDkSFp3f

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 3, 2024

“In the second and third period, we may not reach the level we want to be at, but we still maintain a good level and win the match,” Anton Johansson told Leksand’s website.

“I think we take steps every day and every match. It looks good. We are ready for next week when we will face two SHL teams.”

Fellow Leksand defenseman Fred Nilsson left no doubt as to who was the best player on the ice in the club’s Saturday victory.

“Anton (Johansson),” Nilsson said. “He still scores two goals. Anton reduces (the Leksand deficit) to 1-2 in the first period and then scores a power play goal in the middle of the second.”

Johansson, 20, certainly appreciates putting two goals in the net. However, the player chosen 105th overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL entry draft knows what he needs to improve in order to be taking further forward steps in his game.

“I think the defensive part,” Johansson said. “I did a good job in the playoffs.

“I’m gonna still work on that and try to keep up my offense.”