Anton Johansson
Red Wings Sign Anton Johansson, Adding More Swedish Depth to Blue Line
The Detroit Red Wings have officially added another Johansson to their defensive ranks. On Thursday, the team signed Anton Johansson to a three-year entry-level contract, bringing the Swedish defenseman into the fold.
Johansson will immediately join the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, following a similar path to Albert Johansson, who spent two seasons in Grand Rapids before earning a spot with the Red Wings this year. Despite sharing a last name and position, the two Johanssons are not related—except by nationality and the organization they now call home.
A Rising Prospect with International Experience
Anton Johansson, 20, was selected by Detroit in the fourth round (No. 105 overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He becomes the second player from that draft class to ink a deal with the Red Wings, following forward Marco Kasper.
This season, Johansson played for Leksand in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), registering five goals and five assists over 46 games. He also logged 50 penalty minutes and finished with a minus-one rating. Despite being just 20 years old, he already has 117 SHL games under his belt.
His season in Sweden ended in disappointment on Wednesday, as Leksand was eliminated from playoff contention despite his team’s efforts. A loss to Frolunda, coupled with wins by Orebro and Rogle, sealed their fate.
Johansson also represented Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping his team to a silver medal while playing a physical, stay-at-home defensive role.
Adjusting to North American Hockey
Johansson will spend the remainder of the AHL season on a professional tryout contract, meaning any games he plays won’t count against his entry-level deal.
When he attended Red Wings development camp last summer, Johansson acknowledged that the biggest adjustment he’d face moving to North America was the smaller ice surface.
“It’s a lot smaller, it’s a lot tougher, it’s a lot faster,” Johansson said.
Red Wings player development director Dan Cleary has been impressed with the young defenseman’s approach to the game.
“He’s driven, a competitive kid,” Cleary said. “He’s passionate.”
Now, Johansson will get his chance to prove himself in Grand Rapids, with an eye toward following Albert Johansson’s path to the NHL.
