New Griffins on defense
6’4” / Defense / Shoots: Right. Drafted by the Red Wings in the fourth round in 2022
All aboard the “AnJo Hype Train.” It's leaving the station for anyone who wants to climb aboard.
Are you missing a third-pairing defenseman who plays a fearless game, loves to hit and is effective all over the ice? Anton Johansson maybe able to help. He might not knock your socks off figuratively, but he might knock the opponents socks off. Or put them on their bums. There's a high chance of both happening at the same time.
Johansson is just such a fun player to watch.
Although he's been a bit quieter this time around, he’s still a formidable defenseman. Granted, last season was very slim pickings on defense and this season there are just too many players (and most are high-end at that for the AHL level). Even still, Johansson is still the same fun, energetic player Grand Rapids came to appreciate in his short stint last year.
Johansson appeared in 42 games in the SHL with Leksands IF and recorded five goals and 12 assists for a total of 17 points. He earned an eye-popping 49 penalty minutes (he likes to hit, and the SHL isn’t the friendliest to hard/high hits) and an even +/- rating. With the Grand Rapids Griffins thus far, Johansson has played in five games. He scored his first goal in the AHL and recorded two assists for a total of three points in that time. In a league where hitting is encouraged, Johansson hasn’t recorded a penalty and is a +3 rating.
With the plethora of defensemen in Grand Rapids, Johansson is likely relegated to a third-pairing role with time possibly on both special teams. However, don’t be disappointed if he’s not the go-to defenseman. On the power play, we have Erik Gustafsson (who is stellar on the power play in the AHL). There’s also University of Denver alumni Antti Tuomisto and Shai Buium, and fellow Swede William Wallinder on an already overcrowded blue line.
This doesn’t even include the return of the shiny prospect discussed below.
Coach Watson doesn't have an easy job makin decisions with this lineup. That said, Johansson will have every chance to make his case for a permanent spot in every role possible. Johansson has confirmed with voice of the Grand Rapids Griffins, Bob Kaser, that he will play in North America next season.
It would be thrilling to see him don the
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