The Detroit Red Wings have reassigned defenseman Anton Johansson to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, bringing the young blueliner back to North America following his stint with Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League.
Johansson, 21, was selected by Detroit in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft and has been steadily developing in Sweden. This past season with Leksands IF, the six-foot-four defenseman recorded five goals and 12 assists for 17 points across 42 games, showcasing flashes of his two-way potential.
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The move marks Johansson’s second stint with Grand Rapids. At the end of last season, he joined the Griffins and made an immediate impact, tallying five points and a plus-one rating in 11 regular-season games. He also appeared in three playoff contests, registering one assist, though he finished with a minus-three rating.
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Detroit likely views Johansson as a long-term project on the blue line. With his size and defensive instincts, he profiles as a potential depth defenseman at the NHL level. However, his development has been gradual, and the organization appears committed to giving him time to adjust to the North American game and refine his consistency.
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