Other Johansson Could Also Be a Hit For Red Wings

It would appear that the Detroit Red Wings have hit the jackpot with defenseman Albert Johansson. His first NHL season was an unmitigated success story.

Johansson played top-four minutes. He showed that he’s more than capable of holding his own against the best the league has to offer.

Is it possible the Red Wings could go two-for-two when it comes to defensive prospects named Johansson? Maybe so.

While the returns are very early in the case of Anton Johansson, there was a lot to like from the lanky right-shot Swede in his brief late-season cameo with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

“I’ve liked everything I’ve seen about him, to be honest with you,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said.

Between regular-season and Calder Cup playoff action, Johansson, 20, skated in 16 AHL games. He was collecting six assists and a plus-one rating, along with 12 penalty minutes.

Red Wings Prospect Doesn’t Mind Mixing It Up

It may be that latter number which is offering the most intriguing indication of the unique qualities that the 6-foot-3, 196-pound Johansson is bringing to the pool of Red Wings defensive prospects. He doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff. In fact, Johansson, 20, tends to thrive in that type of environment.

“He’s got that snarl to his game when he wants it,” Watson said.

Anton Johansson(4th round’22)
Big Hit! #LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/nA3Br7t9tI

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 26, 2025

If a lunkhead is needed, Johansson doesn’t mind stepping into that role. This season, he led Leksands of the SHL with 50 PIM in 46 games. The previous season, he was accumulating 94 PIM in just 32 games with the Leksands junior squad.

“Yeah, of course,” Johansson said of the enjoyment he draws from getting involved physically. “I think my game suits pretty good over here, so, yeah, I think that will be good for the future.”

He also believes that the tighter dimensions of the North American ice surface leans better into the strengths of his game

“Yeah, it is, I would say,” Johansson said. “It has a smaller rink, so it’s a lot faster and people come to you faster, so you have to make quicker decisions.”

Johansson A Fun-Loving Kid

There’s more than just thuggery to Johansson’s game. That’s important, becuase this isn’t the 1970s. It’s okay to initiate physical altercations, but you also need to be able to play the game capably in five-on-five situations.

Johansson can deliver those goods as well.

Fantastic job by Anton Johansson keeping this puck in the Rockford zone at the blue line and a beautiful pass to Cross Hanas for a nice scoring chance for the Griffins#GoGRG #LGRW pic.twitter.com/UNu9Az308s

— x – Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) March 23, 2025

“I see a big guy who skates,” Watson said. “He plays long, he’s got a good stick.

“He’s a mature kid, but in this locker room, he does bring the spirits high. He likes to have fun, he enjoys coming to the rink and he loves the game.

“So, he’s going to continue to develop and he’s a really good prospect.”