Nicklas Lidstrom shares exciting update on Swedish prospect Anton Johansson
Former Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, a multi-year recipient of the Norris Trophy, shared an exciting update on Swedish prospect Anton Johansson.
Fans of the Detroit Red Wings are very familiar with the rich heritage the team has with players not only from Canada and the United States but from overseas countries like Russia and Sweden.
One particular Swedish player who redefined what it means to be a defenseman is Nicklas Lidstrom, often regarded as the best blue liner in NHL history.
Detroit's former captain who followed in the footsteps of longtime teammate Steve Yzerman, Lidstrom now serves as vice president of hockey operations for the Red Wings while also scouting in Sweden.
And he has an exciting update on Swedish defensive prospect Anton Johansson, the 105th overall pick by the Red Wings in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Anton has become more stable in his play. That comes with more experience and with the confidence from getting to play a bit more. I also think he's very good with the puck, mobile, and good at getting his shots through, which we saw recently when he scored with a wrist shot.
He's also become more solid in his own zone, goes hard into the corners and tries to be physical. He's progressing all the time and has a strong development curve.
Johansson currently plays for Leksands IF, and will likely begin his North American career in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
He was first noticed by Kris Draper, a 4x Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings who now works as the director of amateur scouting.
I saw him play in the SHL. He played a lot in the J20 and we like the size, the right shot, puck-moving defenseman that we were excited to get.
POLL |
JANVIER 5 | 119 ANSWERS Nicklas Lidstrom shares exciting update on Swedish prospect Anton Johansson What is the ceiling for 2022 Red Wings draft pick Anton Johansson? |
Bonafide top defenseman | 27 | 22.7 % |
Middle pairing defenseman | 71 | 59.7 % |
3rd pairing defenseman | 19 | 16 % |
Career minor leaguer | 2 | 1.7 % |
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