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UPDATE: The #RedWings have signed defenseman Anton Johansson to a three-year entry-level contract beginning in 2025-26.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 13, 2025
He will report to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout. pic.twitter.com/7w8V95P3NN
Detroit has inked 2022 4th round pick Anton Johansson stands at 6’4… as a right shot Dman. If you read the article from Pro Hockey Rumors above, you’ll see the following:
The 20-year-old throws the body frequently, but at a shade under 200 lbs, he’ll likely need to put on a little more weight for his height before he gets a look in NHL minutes. Johansson was ranked as the No. 15 prospect in Detroit’s system by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler last month. He tabbed Johansson as a “high-floor, low-ceiling guy… who can likely serve as good organizational depth out of the gate, but likely doesn’t top out any higher than being a semi-regular third-pairing option.
The Elite Prospects page shows that his contract runs with his current team in Sweden through next year. If he fails to make the roster out of camp, the Swedish team (according to the PHR article) gets first refusal before he can be assigned to the AHL. He will finish this season playing for the Griffins.
To me, this signals that Detroit may expect either he or Tuomisto to make the club (also brings up the questions as to whether or not they may buy out Holl’s final year or try to move him). The desire for a physical low pairing D man is certainly one fans can understand (especially after the Buffalo game).
It still stands to reason that Sandin-Pellikka may be thought highly enough of to have a real shot at the main club depending on his camp/preseason. It’s an interesting scenario as Buium, Wallinder, and Tuomisto all seem to be developing well under Dan Watson. Let me know your thoughts, and if you think Detroit is planning some sort of blue line shuffle to get more especially out of the PK.
In a story I haven’t touched on yet, Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games due to violation of the league’s substance policy. It sounds like something he used during recovery (possibly HGH) may be the culprit. Florida’s blue liner didn’t duck the issue and seems to own the incident. This puts him out for the rest of the season and 1 post season game as he heads to free agency. There were rumors (60% ish) that Detroit had looked at the defenseman and IF he hits free agency would be interesting to see who puts up the most enticing offer.