SHL Controversy: Leksand Coach Questions Penalty Call After Hit on Red Wings Prospect Anton Johansson
Tensions flared in the Swedish Hockey League recently after a hit to the head of Detroit Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson sparked controversy-not just for the play itself, but for how it was officiated. Leksand head coach Johan Hedberg didn’t hold back postgame, voicing frustration over what he saw as inconsistent penalty decisions from the referees.
The incident in question involved another Detroit prospect, Eddie Genborg, who delivered a high hit to Johansson during the game. The officials reviewed the play and ultimately assessed Genborg a two-minute minor for the blow to the head. But Hedberg believed the punishment didn’t fit the infraction.
“I don’t know,” Hedberg said in a televised interview with Sweden’s TV4. “We got a five the other day for the same thing, and today it’s two minutes-with the same referee.” He was referring to an earlier match where his own player, Andrno Kaderli, received a five-minute match penalty for a similar hit.
The hit left Johansson, one of Detroit’s top 10 prospects, unable to return to the game. That only added to the frustration from the Leksand bench, which felt the league’s enforcement of head contact penalties lacked consistency.
Genborg, for his part, addressed the incident during a period break interview. “I go after the puck and don’t even see that he’s standing there,” he said.
“Can’t do much. I have to go where the puck is.”
It’s a classic hockey defense-intent versus outcome-but one that doesn’t always sway the officials, especially when a top prospect exits the game injured.
Red Wings Prospect Watch
While the SHL incident grabbed headlines, there’s plenty more happening across the Red Wings’ prospect pipeline.
Lucas Raymond is soaking in the Olympic atmosphere as he gears up for his first appearance in the Winter Games. Sweden faces off against host nation Italy today at 3 p.m. local time. Raymond’s offensive creativity and two-way play will be key as Sweden looks to make a deep run.
Dylan Larkin, the Red Wings’ captain, recently shared thoughts on the team’s season and the direction under GM Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings continue to build around a young core, and Larkin’s leadership remains central to that process.
Meanwhile, the Grand Rapids Griffins-Detroit’s AHL affiliate-are well-represented at the 2026 Olympics, with nine players competing for their respective countries. It’s a testament to the depth Yzerman and his staff have assembled, not just for the NHL roster, but throughout the organization.
Carter Bear Heating Up
One of the most exciting names in the Red Wings’ system right now is Carter Bear, Detroit’s 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Bear continued his torrid pace with a goal and two assists in the Everett Silvertips’ 6-3 win over the Red Deer Rebels. The Silvertips, currently the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League, have already punched their ticket to the WHL playoffs.
Bear’s recent production has been eye-popping: six goals and eight assists for 14 points over his last five games. In the win against Red Deer, he posted a +3 rating, three shots on goal, and even netted the game-winner. He’s becoming a force in all three zones and showing exactly why the Red Wings were so high on him in last year’s draft.
Carter Bear (13th overall, 2025 Draft)
- 1 Goal (Game-Winner)
- 2 Assists
- +3
- 3 Shots
- 2 PIM
- 1st Star of the Game ⭐️
With his combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ, Bear is quickly emerging as one of the most promising prospects in the Red Wings’ system-and perhaps the WHL as a whole.
What’s Next
As the Olympic tournament heats up and the SHL season pushes toward the playoffs, Detroit’s scouting staff will be watching closely. From Genborg and Johansson in Sweden to Bear lighting it up in the CHL, the Red Wings’ future continues to take shape across the hockey world.
One thing’s clear: Detroit’s prospect pool is not just deep-it’s dynamic. And if this week is any indication, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.