It seems like Detroit Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson can't stay out of the s
First, it was after an impressive camp showing. Then, a four assist night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, the young defenseman has another honor to his name: Chief Agitator of Sidney Crosby. The duo got into a little scuffle during the preseason game at PPG Paints Arena, with fourth round pick Johansson showing off his physicality.
In an interview with Hockeysverige, Johansson shared a little bit about his experience playing against the NHL great.
"We were one on one," reads the rough translation. "He tried to pull me. I just checked my body and popped in the puck. Then he sent me into the rim a little nicely. When I stood up I would box him out. Then he got a little pissed off that I did that, but it wasn't really anything special."
#HFscrums - September 22nd, 2026
Sidney Crosby v. Anton Johansson
Penguins vs. Red Wings - #NHL #LetsGoPens #LGRW
This is not a #HockeyFight, but you can always see them on https://t.co/NfcqpI8axR pic.twitter.com/apQICtTaBe
"He just got a little grumpy because I boxed him out and thought it was an interference or something," Johansson added. "I have incredible respect for guys like Crosby, but you can't show it too much."
The fact that Johansson can face off against a legend like Sidney Crosby without flinching - and can produce at such a high level - suggests that he's more than ready for his time in the NHL.
Johansson believes NHL pace suits him well
When asked about his experience on North American ice, Johansson seemed cheery. "My way of playing fits pretty well over here," he said. "I want to play straight hockey and when I get down on the edge, I shoot from all positions. You can do that over here because it's so much tighter."
Johansson played the end of both AHL seasons the last two years, putting up 11 points in 19 games. His goal right now is to make the NHL roster and go from there. "The first goal will be to try to break into the NHL team," Johansson added. "After that you will see. I want to be a leading defenseman in the AHL and then make my NHL debut. When it comes I'll see, but right now priority one is to break into the NHL."
Despite a crowded room of defensemen clamoring for one roster spot, Johansson appears to have a strong chance to make the roster. His performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring four assists in 22 minutes of play, showed both his poise and the front office's confidence in him.
“He has joy for the game,” said head coach Todd McLellan. “(Johansson) loves being out there smiling. He brings an energy that kind of rubs off on other people. He’s aggressive killing plays, but he’s also aggressive with the puck in the offensive zone.”
Perhaps aggressiveness is just what this roster needs.
Add us as a preferred source on Google