Eddie Genborg's Anticipated AHL Debut
The Detroit Red Wings are buzzing with anticipation as top prospect Eddie Genborg gears up for his AHL debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 18-year-old Swede, standing tall at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 205 pounds, is set to bring his physical style of play to the North American ice.
In a chat with Griffins' play-by-play announcer Bob Kaser, Genborg expressed his excitement: “I’m very excited, and it’s very nice to be here. I think it’s going to be a hard game, of course.
First game here, it’s a lot of new things. For me, I’m just gonna go out there and have fun.”
The Red Wings, who picked Genborg 40th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, are eager to see how his rugged play translates on the smaller rink. Genborg himself is ready to showcase his physicality: “The thing of my game is to play physical, and tonight I’m gonna show that.”
Genborg recently inked a three-year entry-level deal with the Red Wings, set to begin in the 2026-27 season. For now, he’s playing on an amateur tryout, with plans to return to the SHL's Timra next season.
Grand Rapids Roster Updates
The Griffins are also welcoming center Amadeus Lombardi back from injury, while winger John Leonard returns from the Red Wings. In a corresponding move, forward Jackson Jutting has been released from his PTO.
Anton Johansson's Journey
Meanwhile, Anton Johansson, another Red Wings prospect, is fighting a different battle in the SHL. Helping Leksand in their relegation playoff against HV71, Johansson has his sights set on joining the Red Wings soon. Detroit picked him 105th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and once his SHL commitments are over, Johansson will make a permanent move to North America.
Red Wings' VP of hockey operations, Nicklas Lidstrom, confirmed the plan: “Yes, the plan is for him to go over. The first step will be the farm team, but it depends a bit on what it looks like up in the NHL team.”
Johansson’s season has been challenging, marked by a concussion from a hit by Genborg and his father’s dismissal as Leksand’s sporting director. However, he finds a silver lining in their renewed father-son relationship: “Now it’s more father-and-son talk than boss-and-son talk. It’s actually quite nice.”
Both Genborg and Johansson are poised to bring fresh energy and talent to the Red Wings organization, making this an exciting time for fans and the team alike.