Albert Johansson

June 2025 – Johansson successfully transitioned to North America in 2022 and spent two seasons developing for the Grand Rapids Griffins before debuting for the Red Wings as a full- time defenseman in 2024. He managed to play just over 16 minutes a night as a rookie and did so mostly opposite Simon Edvinsson while playing the right side (his offhand), indicating trust from the coaching staff and showing his versatility as a blueliner. While his rookie point total was not anything to write home about, his ability to stay in the lineup bodes well for his future fantasy potential, especially in peripheral categories if he
can further develop his physical play and puck skills. He flashed his offensive upside by scoring one of the slickest goals of Detroit’s season, dangling around Ilya Samsonov in the slot during a tilt vs the Vegas Golden Knights in March. Look for him to build on his successful rookie season in 2025. Jeff Grybel

June 2022 – Johansson is one of the best defensive prospects not currently playing in North America. In his third season playing in the SHL, he put up nearly a half point per game. Johansson was 4th on Farjestad Bk in time on ice for defenders.  He dished out nearly a hit per game and drove play with a 53% Fenwick. Johansson will come to North America in 2022-2023 and he should compete for an NHL job. His ability to play his off side as a lefty will make his chances much greater. It seems unlikely he will unseat Seider for power play time so that will limit his points upside, but it could still be in the 35+ point range. Johansson should also be pretty decent for hits and blocks so if he gets enough ice time, he could be valuable in multicategory leagues. Victor Nuño

April 2021 – Johansson has enjoyed a strong season in the SHL notching 19 points in 44 games while improving his overall game at the same time. He is an excellent skater who uses his mobility to the best of his abilities. He relies on stick work and skill in the defensive end of the ice and will need to add muscle to his frame but there is a lot to like about Johansson. It will be interesting to see what the plan for him next year is as some would like to see him play in the AHL but another year in the SHL may be in the cards for the young Swede. Tony Ferrari

January 2021 – Johansson had a strong showing for an underwhelming Swedish team at the World Juniors, playing big minutes and lining up alongside top prospect Victor Soderstrom. The smooth-skating 19-year-old was an effective puck mover throughout the tournament, on his way to three assists in five games – tied for second-most among Swedish defencemen. Johansson will return to the SHL where he has been one of Farjestad’s most improved players so far this season. Nick Richard

December 2020 – Johansson’s production has taken a step forward in his second full season at the SHL level. He currently has three goals and four assists through twenty games compared to two goals and 11 assists in 42 games with Farjestad last season. Johansson is a smooth skater who plays an intelligent two-way game, and his offensive contributions continue to grow along with his confidence as he continues to establish himself at Sweden’s top level. It is expected that Johansson will earn a top-four role on Sweden’s blue line at the upcoming World Juniors. Nick Richard

June 2020 – Johansson recently put ink to paper and signed his ELC with the Wings. Detroit signed the puck-rushing defenseman after a solid SHL season in which he collected 42 points in 13 appearances with Färjestad. With a heap of holes to fill in on the Wings’ blue-line in the near future, a full season in Sweden working on his game and physical development will only see him inch closer to a possible roster spot in Detroit. Ashley Glover

March 2020 – Johansson has taken the step to full-time SHL blue-liner this season with ease. He was an easy choice for the five nations under-19 tournament and didn’t disappoint. The offense has been building slowly for him, we see flashes game to game of his smarts in the offensive zone and his wicked shot. Always steady on the blue-line, Johansson should be a terrific pick for Stevie Y in the second round. Ashley Glover