The Detroit Red Wings are a storied franchise with a rich history of success. One of the key reasons for their success has been their ability to develop young players into stars. In recent years, the Red Wings have not had much success in drafting and developing young players. However, that could be changing with the emergence of prospect Anton Johansson.
Johansson's Impressive Resume
Johansson was drafted by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He is a Swedish defenseman who has played the last two seasons with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). In 2020-21, Johansson was named the SHL's Rookie of the Year after posting 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 44 games. He followed that up with another strong season in 2021-22, recording 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists) in 49 games.
Johansson is a well-rounded defenseman who can contribute in all areas of the game. He is a good skater with excellent puck-handling skills. He is also a physical player who is not afraid to throw his body around. Johansson is still only 20 years old, but he has already shown that he has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL.
Lidstrom's Praise
One of the most respected players in NHL history is Nicklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom played for the Red Wings for 20 seasons and won four Stanley Cups. He is considered one of the greatest defensemen of all time. Lidstrom has been impressed with what he has seen from Johansson.
"He's a very good skater, he's got a really good shot, and he's very competitive," Lidstrom said. "He's got all the tools to be a really good player in the NHL."
The Future of the Red Wings
The Red Wings have not been to the playoffs since 2016. They are in the midst of a rebuild, and Johansson is a key part of their future plans. He is expected to make the Red Wings roster out of training camp and could play a significant role for the team this season.
If Johansson can live up to his potential, he could be a cornerstone of the Red Wings defense for many years to come. He has the talent and the work ethic to be a star in the NHL.
Conclusion
The Red Wings are hoping that Johansson can be a key part of their future success. He is a talented young player with a lot of potential. If he can continue to develop, he could be one of the best defensemen in the NHL. The Red Wings are excited about his future, and they believe that he can help them return to the playoffs.