Of all the pressing questions in the land of the Detroit Red Wings none peaks my curiosity quite like the young man who stole the show in Plymouth, MI.
The towering right-handed defenseman is just what the organization needs here in North America. It seems like his game, too, could flourish on this side of the pond.
While the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, there is a downside for players who are a bit more physical. Whether it’s Anton Johansson or Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, physical players need to dial it back a few notches. Otherwise, they’ll spend their entire time in the penalty box. In turn, it’s challenging to establish one’s footing or the coach’s trust.
Moritz Seider seemed to find the sweet spot while he played for Rögle BK of the SHL as he earned only 16 penalty minutes in his 40 regular season games played. Most times, a physical player might get carried away or Seider might have been the true exception to the league (got to use his own rulebook according to one of the Swedish head coaches during the playoffs).
Detroit Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson has an interesting choice next season
Johansson, on the flip side, took 50 penalty minutes this season for Leksands IF in 46 regular season games played. Meanwhile, Brandsegg-Nygård eclipsed Johansson by taking 51 penalty minutes in 32 games played. So far in the playoffs for Skellefteå AIK, Brandsegg-Nygård has earned 10 penalty minutes.
Although penalties are not unique to the SHL, there is a lack of tolerance for physical play. In the American Hockey League (AHL), physicality is embraced. Players come just shy of killing each other and nobody even bats an eye—let alone sits in the sin bin for two minutes. As much as the league is meant to be a development league, it’s also made up of undisciplined players who couldn’t quite crack the National Hockey League (NHL) consistently. As often as not, it’s because they can’t control their emotions.
Having a player like Johansson join the Grand Rapids Griffins this season, even if it’s only for a short while, is a huge plus for the Detroit Red Wings organization. Johansson seems to relish the physical side of play. In six games so far this regular season, Johansson has earned three assists and taken exactly zero penalties. A stark contrast to his 50 minutes in Sweden.
Johansson may not be as confident in the AHL, yet, so that might play a role in a lack of penalties. However, from my viewpoint, Johansson is still playing the same way. He’s just not being penalized for his aggressive style of hockey Rather, it’s something that the AHL will embrace.
The Griffins, especially, need a young man just like Johansson.
We have veterans who play that physical brand of hockey, but few young players carry that same mojo. Especially since Marco Kasper graduated and Carter Mazur has been lost to injury, the young players haven’t had a physical, honest presence in the lineup.
Sure, Shai Buium can throw a hit like the ghost of Niklas Kronwall, but I wouldn’t call him mean. Protective of his goaltender, and knows how to stand up for himself and his teammates, but not aggressive.
In fact, Johansson and Buium, who have been paired together on the blue line, likely provide a nice balance. Johansson can get a bit too excited in some instances, and Buium is a bit more calm, collected. Buium, in contrast, might get a bit more confidence and swag playing with Johansson who has so much edge to his game. Whether Buium wants to engage in the physical side of things, Johansson will drag him into it.
Their games provide a nice foil for one another as well. Buium is a bit more offensive and unique in how he plays the game. Johansson is a steady defenseman. At least in between whistles, we know what we’re getting from Johansson most shifts. He’s great at providing the support that a player like Buium needs, and Buium provides a bit more witty play to the pairing.
It remains to be seen where Johansson suits up next season. He signed a new contract with Leksands IF of the SHL, so it is likely the NHL or SHL. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if it’s a misstep. After seeing Johansson play in the AHL, confirming what I’ve already suspected, players like him tend to play more freely in the AHL. Freedom can equal a lot of things, but confidence and output likely increase as a result.
There isn’t as much money to be made in the AHL as in most European leagues, including the SHL, so that is certainly a drawback.
I can’t help but wonder aloud, though if Johansson might be able to remain longer term with the Grand Rapids Griffins beyond this season.
Depending on how his offseason goes, maybe Johansson even pushes for a spot in Detroit next season. It’s not out of the question as Johanson provides a mature, two-way play on the blue line and the WIngs have been in desperate need of help on the right side of their blue line. There will be Axel Sandin Pellikka vying for a spot with the Red Wings, as well. Like they say, though, competition can bring the best out of players, so it should be an entertaining set of prospect games and training camp.
Maybe this internal competition breathes some urgency into the veterans as well who at times seem to be complacent with their spot.
This season, there isn’t really any push from young defensemen in the system. Buium is still developing, as is Antti Tuomisto and William Wallinder. If any were even kind of NHL-ready, I think they would have tried them over some of the veterans who have played regularly in Detroit this season.
It will be interesting to see where Johansson plays next season, as the promising young defenseman continues to develop.