Johansson Aims for Red Wings Roster Spot While Leading Griffins in Thrilling Playoff Run
Albert Johansson is focused on making the Detroit Red Wings‘ 2024-25 Opening Night roster, but for now, the 23-year-old defenseman is concentrating on the present with the Grand Rapids Griffins during their 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs run.
“We’re in the playoffs here, so that’s where my focus is right now,” Johansson told DetroitRedWings.com on May 18. “But of course, when we’re done with this season, I want to go home, work hard, and get stronger. I will try to return in as good of shape as possible to fight for a spot (with the Red Wings) next season.”
Back at 🏠 #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/cQiosoYELb
— x – Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) May 22, 2024
Selected 60th overall by the Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Johansson ended the 2023-24 regular season with 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) and a plus-7 rating in 66 AHL games. Since making his North American debut with the Griffins in their 2022-23 season opener, the young Swedish defenseman has made significant progress both on and off the ice.
“Coming into this year, I knew the league and the team,” Johansson said. “We had a new coaching staff, but I think I’ve taken steps from last year. I know how to live over here now too, really just learning everything outside of the rink. That makes it easier to just focus on the hockey and try to be better every day.”
First-year head coach Dan Watson praised Johansson’s consistency, calling him a dependable player for Grand Rapids this season.
“Extremely consistent,” Watson said about the former second-round pick. “You have to watch him a lot to appreciate him. As a coach, he’s a guy that you trust to put out there in any type of situation.”
Johansson has contributed two assists in six postseason games with the Griffins, who are currently tied 1-1 with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL Central Division Final. Grand Rapids will host Milwaukee for Game 3 of the best-of-five series at Van Andel Arena on Wednesday night.
PROTECT HOME ICE. 👊🏠 #GoGRG
🎥 Marco, Nate, Watson » https://t.co/xQUzOrXTjN pic.twitter.com/ECG8mELAMk
— x – Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) May 22, 2024
Johansson is embracing the playoff challenge. “It’s the same mindset, but every game gets more intense and physical because you’re playing the other team so much,” he said about navigating his first Calder Cup Playoffs experience.
As a young player aiming for the NHL, Johansson emphasized the importance of learning from veterans in Grand Rapids’ locker room during his second AHL season.
“They are very important for us young guys in this league,” Johansson said about his veteran teammates. “It’s not easy, so they’ve made a big impact on us. Things like how to prepare for practice and games, how to be a good pro. I’m glad all those guys are helping us.”
