Red Wings Other Johansson Could Also be in Detroit Soon
· Yahoo Sports
The post Red Wings Other Johansson Could Also be in Detroit Soon appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Anton JohanssonWhen Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson discusses how rapidly Anton Johansson is climbing the charts among Detroit Red Wings prospects, he doesn’t mince words.
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“He’s close. He’s very close,” Watson said of Johansson’s NHL potential.
Only 21, Johansson is again showing during the AHL Calder Cup playoffs that he is an intriguing package.
“In my opinion, just with his size, with his physicality, with the length that he plays,” Watson lists among the qualities that may make Johansson an NHLer sooner than later. “His skating, that will improve.
“He does see the ice offensively better than what I think he did last year. And he’s another guy who just wants to get better. He’s willing to put the work in. And those are all characteristics of a guy who wants to and will make the NHL.”
Game of Red Wings Prospect Displays Plenty of Elements
Since arriving in Grand Rapids following completion of his Swedish season with Leksand, Johansson is taking a regular turn on the Griffins’ defense. There’s a decent amount of skill level in his game, and perhaps more importantly, Johansson plays with an edge.
Anton Johansson with another strong game tonight. Tries one of his odd angle shots for a rebound results a good chance #LGRWpic.twitter.com/jxuhYDBhtH
— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) May 7, 2026
In the opening-round win over Manitoba, Johansson put 14 shots on goal during four games. When Moose forward Phil De Giuseppe took a run at Grand Rapids center Amadeus Lombardi, it was Johansson who immediately got into Di Giuseppe’s grill.
It’s clear that over the past year, Johansson has grown as a player, and we don’t just mean in terms of his 6-foot-4, 172-pound frame. He’s improving as a player in leaps and bounds.
“Yeah, I feel like this year in Sweden, I had been working really hard on everything, so I feel like it got better and better,” Johansson said. “So, yeah, I feel more comfortable to come here and play my game.
“And, yeah, I think this type of game suits me pretty well, too.”
#CHIvsGR | Fensore digs for a loose puck, gets smoked by the Griffins defense and a melee ensues. Skyler Brind’Amour nearly gets into it with Anton Johansson
— Andrew Rinaldi (@Andrew_Rinaldi_) May 14, 2026
Strap in folks, this is going to be a war of a series pic.twitter.com/xcP01JIlIq
The most experienced NHLer on the Grand Rapids roster thinks Johansson is fast-tracking his way to the show.
“Skilled guy,” Grand Rapids defenseman Erik Gustafsson said. “Plays tough, too. Very good in his own zone. Has a good stick.
“I’m impressed with this game.”
So is Johansson’s coach.
“I do believe he’s close,” Watson said.
The post Red Wings Other Johansson Could Also be in Detroit Soon appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.