Albert Johansson’s fight for a place on the Detroit Red Wings roster
Albert “Under the Radar” Johansson is still on track to be a top four defenseman in the NHL. The major question is whether it will be with the Red Wings or elsewhere.
The lack of movement at the trade deadline shows GM Steve Yzerman’s long-term confidence in the Detroit Red Wings prospect pool. Jonatan Berggren’s call-up to the Red Wings is overdue from his perspective and will hopefully provide a needed boost from the Red Wings’ point of view. There is another prospect who is slightly overripe in development, but no one is discussing him as a trade target or clamoring for him to be in Detroit anytime soon. Where does Albert Johansson fit into the team’s plans?
Simon Edvinsson will almost certainly be on the Detroit roster on opening day for 2024-2025 at the latest. Axel Sandin-Pellika is destined to be a star but is a couple of years away from the big team. Several blue line prospects may or may not become NHL players. This group includes William Willander, Antti Tuoumistu, Eemil Viro, and Shai Buium.
Where Albert Johansson fits into the Red Wings’ plans is not clear.
Johansson is 23 years old. Although defensemen can take longer to develop than forwards, Adam Boqvist, Rasmus Dahlin, Rasmus Sandin, and Cam York are also 23 years old and are well-established in the NHL. When Johansson was drafted in the second round in 2019, he was considered mature, solid, smart, a good decision-maker, and generally more pro-ready than most draftees. There have been some injuries that have sidelined Johansson at exactly the times that he seemed to be reaching a new level. He is still ripening in the AHL with Grand Rapids.
There have not been major complaints or words of disappointment about his development. He is always a solid and valuable under-the-radar player. “Under the radar” is associated with Johansson so often that it could be his middle name. His development is consistent and professional. To a large degree, Johansson is a bit like Olli Määttä—smart, steady, and low maintenance. Yet, there is far more expected in terms of talent and offensive upside. Moreover, he tends to control games with his decision-making, strong puck skills, and calm under pressure.
Being solid and responsible are excellent characteristics, but typically are more for a third pairing defenseman. To get attention and ensure time on the NHL, there needs to be something dynamics about his game that stands out to attract attention. If there is nothing that stands out, then he will be viewed as a replacement level player and those are inexpensive and easy to find.
