Red Wings Other Johansson Could Also be in Detroit Soon

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Anton Johansson

When Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson discusses how rapidly Anton Johansson is climbing the charts among Detroit Red Wings prospects, he doesn’t mince words.

“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.

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.