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Tomorrow’s Red Wings: Johansson Stock Rising Sharply

Originally posted on Detroit Hockey Now | By Kevin Allen | Last updated 4/21/23

(Editor’s Note: This is the seventh installment in Detroit Hockey Now’s Tomorrow’s series about Detroit Red Wings’ prospects)

When defenseman Simon Edvinsson was brought up to the Detroit Red Wings this season, sources told Detroit Hockey Now that it could have just as easily been Albert Johansson if he wasn’t injured.

That’s how well Johansson played this season for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

“Albert actually had a great season,” Detroit assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff said. “Albert last year made some adjustments to his offseason training. He’s always been a great skater, a smart player, a good passer of the puck, but I think his frame was underdeveloped. He made some changes back in Sweden to who he was training with and I think they paid huge dividends.”

Zadina gets his first goal back with the Griffins after a pretty play. Albert Johansson picks up another assist. #LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/aX8gLTlG8M

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) February 5, 2023

Two-way Defenseman

Johansson, 22, played a strong two-way game for the Griffins, posting five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 53 games before being injured.

“He was stronger this year and not just stronger,” Horcoff said. “He was able to sustain the wear and tear of professional hockey quite well.”

But a higher level of conditioning doesn’t protect you from all injuries.

“Obviously broken bones are what they are and you really can’t control that,” Horcoff said. “It’s too bad, because at that time he was probably in a position to be called up and play some NHL games.”

Dependability. Poise. Smart. Hard-working. Those are traits associated with Johansson.

Analysis: Horcoff said his message to all prospects is to take some time off and then get back in the gym and hit it hard. That’s what the Red Wings want Johansson to do. He clearly know what it did for him last summer. The Red Wings are bullish on Johansson’s long-term potential. He rates very good in several different categories. He consistently makes the right play.

Forecast: Johansson (drafted 60th in 2019) should end up on Detroit’s roster this season. Depending on who Yzerman adds this summer and injuries, he might even have a shot to make the team out of training camp.

This article first appeared on Detroit Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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