3 Detroit Red Wings prospects who will make ’23-24 roster
By Ben Heydt
Detroit Red Wings Prospect #2: Steady Swede Albert Johansson
Even after signing Ben Chiarot and Olli Määttä in the offseason, it looked like Detroit would have another brutal year along the blue line. Although it still has not been great, the emergence of Jake Walman’s offensive ability and Määttä’s defensive responsibility were significant upgrades to the group.
With Filip Hronek being shipped off to Vancouver and Edvinsson getting the playing time with the Red Wings, the next man at the top of the call-up list looks to be Albert Johansson. Donovan Sebrango could make a case for himself this off-season and during training camp. Still, it seems like Johansson has been having the better pro career thus far and would be in line to make the next step at the first moment of injury to the lineup.
Currently, Detroit has a log jam of left-handed defensemen, which would more than likely be for Johansson (or someone else) to play on his off-side. Still, if the organization wants to know what the future of the defensive core looks like, it will need to give the youth a chance to show its capabilities.
The top two pairings seem to be taking form going into next season. Solidifying the third pair with consistent bodies should be a priority instead of cycling below-average defenders in and out of the lineup. Until the Red Wings can find talent on the right side, Johansson may get a look sooner than anticipated.