The Detroit Red Wings have some intriguing roster battles in training camp, but it appears one of them is over.
The Red Wings had an opening for a top-four defenseman, and several defenseman were competing for the job. But, NHL insider Max Bultman of The Athletic believes 24-year-old defenseman Albert Johansson has won the second-pairing job.
“Albert Johansson looks in line to take the last spot in Detroit’s top four, likely reprising his role on the right side next to Simon Edvinsson,” Bultman wrote.
“Johansson arrived at camp stronger, and more importantly, he’s shown up ready to play,” Bultman added. “He’s looked a cut above the field theoretically vying for this spot, which includes everyone besides Moritz Seider, Ben Chiarot and the injured Simon Edvinsson. His skating and defensive stick can be weapons, and if he’s able to activate offensively to create more offense, he’s a real breakout candidate for Detroit on the back end.”
Johansson was selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Red Wings. He signed a two-year, $2.25 million extension with Detroit this offseason and appears to have finally done enough to earn a full-time role with the Red Wings.
Johansson skated in 61 games last season – his first games in the NHL – as he recorded 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points. But, he did enough in training camp to not just earn a roster spot, but win the second-pairing job alongside Simon Edvinsson.
Johansson Wanted to Take the Next Step
Detroit signed Johansson to a two-year extension as the Red Wings were impressed with what he did last season.
Yet, Johansson made it clear that after he signed the deal, the focus wasn’t just making the team but being an impact player for the Red Wings.
“I know the League now,” Johansson said. “I know what I must improve. This is a big summer for me. I want to take that next step too. I’m just trying to get stronger, be in good shape, come back here and have a successful year next year…
“Everyone wants to take that next step, get in the playoffs and play those important games,” Johansson added. “I’m super excited about getting back for Training Camp, seeing all the new guys and those who were there last year too. We can start working together again to reach that goal.”
Johansson has done just that, as he’s been impressive in training camp and appears to have won the second-pairing job.
Red Wings Hopeful to Snap Playoff Drought
Detroit is in a nine-year playoff drought, and Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is hopeful that it ends this season.
Yzerman was active, adding more depth to the lineup to make them a harder team to play against. Following the first wave of free agency, Yzerman felt like the team was better and could make the playoffs this season.
“Today, I think our team is a little bit more competitive,” Yzerman said. “Maybe constructed a little better than it was at this stage last year. So I’m hopeful that we take a step…Overall, I think we’re a little bit better. How many points does that translate to in the season? We’re going to find out.”
The Red Wings open their season on Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens at home.
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