Anton Johansson’s Path Back to North America Could Soon Begin After SHL Shakeup
For Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson, this season has been a bit of a detour - but it may not be much longer before he’s back on the path Detroit envisioned for him.
The 6-foot-4, right-shot defenseman made the decision last offseason to stay in Sweden with Leksands IF of the SHL, rather than join the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins for a full North American season. That choice raised a few eyebrows, especially considering Johansson had already dipped his toe into the AHL waters last year, logging 11 regular-season games (five assists) and three playoff appearances (one assist) with Grand Rapids.
There’s a bit of context behind that decision. Johansson’s father, Tomas Johansson, was serving as Leksands’ sports director - a role he’d held for eight years.
But that connection came to an abrupt end this past week when Leksands, mired in last place with an 11-25-5-1 record, relieved him of his duties. The team is now staring down the barrel of relegation from Sweden’s top league.
That development could open the door for Anton’s return to North America sooner rather than later. The SHL regular season wraps up March 14, and the expectation is that Johansson will join the Griffins shortly after. With Leksands struggling and no playoff run on the horizon, there’s a clear runway for him to transition back across the Atlantic and continue his development within the Red Wings system.
From Detroit’s perspective, that’s likely a welcome shift. Johansson is viewed as a top-10 prospect in the organization - a mobile, physical blueliner with a right-handed shot, which is always a hot commodity in today’s NHL. The more time he can spend adjusting to the North American game - the smaller ice, the faster pace, the grind of the AHL schedule - the better for both his growth and the Red Wings’ long-term blue line plans.
Around the Red Wings Prospect Pipeline
Detroit’s pipeline continues to show signs of life across the globe, and a few names stood out this week.
Dmitri Buchelnikov, the Red Wings’ second-round pick in 2022, made a strong return from injury with CSKA Moscow. The skilled winger notched a goal in a 2-0 win over Spartak, bringing his season totals to 11 goals and 21 points in 32 games.
He also added a +1 rating, two penalty minutes, and fired three shots on goal in just under 10 minutes of ice time. It was a solid all-around performance from a player who continues to show flashes of offensive upside in the KHL.
Olympic Highlights Featuring Red Wings Talent
With Olympic hockey underway, a few Red Wings are already making an impact on the international stage.
Moritz Seider, the backbone of Germany’s blue line, logged over 26 minutes in the team’s opening win and chipped in with an assist. His ability to control the game from the back end continues to impress, whether it’s in Detroit or on the world stage.
Captain Dylan Larkin didn’t hit the scoresheet in Team USA’s opening win over Latvia, but he made his presence felt in the faceoff circle, winning a dominant 80% of his draws. That kind of two-way impact is what makes Larkin such a valuable piece for both club and country.
Quick Hits
- Former Red Wings beat writer Bob Duff takes a look at the 10 oldest living former Red Wings - a fascinating dive into the franchise’s rich history.
- Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk set up his brother Brady for his first Olympic goal, a special family moment on hockey’s biggest international stage.
As the SHL season winds down and the AHL playoff push heats up, keep an eye on Anton Johansson’s next move. If he does make the jump back to Grand Rapids this spring, it’ll be a significant step forward in his journey - and one that could bring him that much closer to a future in Detroit.