Red Wings Prospect Chooses Return to Sweden

General manager Steve Yzerman has taken some heated criticism from a portion of the Detroit Red Wings fanbase since news was breaking that defense prospect Anton Johansson was returning to play next season in his native Sweden.

Well, the truth is out now and the truth is that first of all, it was Johansson’s choice to play next season in the SHL for Leksand IF.

“To be honest, it was Anton’s decision,” Yzerman said.

Secondly, due to Johansson’s contract situation, the Red Wings were really going to be left with no option but to reassign Johansson to Leksand next fall.

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

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

When the Red Wings were signing Johansson to an entry-level contract last fall, he still had one year remaining on his SHL pact with Leksand.

“Our obligation in signing him is if he were to come to camp next (fall) and not make the Red Wings, we would first have to offer him back to his Swedish club Leksand (on loan),” Yzerman explained.

Red Wings Prospect Played Well In Grand Rapids

Johansson spent the latter part of last season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins and was showing well in that brief trial.

“Based on what we saw in the end of the season and playoffs in GR, he would be more than fine here,” Yzerman said. “Ultimately we wanted him, much like Albert Johansson made this decision four years ago now that he wanted to play one more year in Sweden.

Anton Johansson with a great pass and Becher rips it off the post. #LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/VnV6TnCBHS

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) April 17, 2025

“We’re okay with it. We want these boys, or these young men, to be mentally ready when they come over and prepared. He’s in a good situation. He ultimately decided that he wanted to start the season, he wanted to get off to a good start in Leksand.”

Regardless, it doesn’t change the opinion the Red Wings hold of the lanky Swedish defenseman in terms of his NHL potential.

“We’re very excited about him as a prospect,” Yzerman said. “For us, it’s just a matter of being patient and helping him out along the way and providing whatever guidance we can offer until he comes over. But yeah, we’re very comfortable with this decision.”