After taking a forward with the pick before, the Red Wings have selected another defenseman in Albert Johansson with pick no. 60 in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Here’s what we know:
Vitals
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Born: Karlstad, SWE
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 168 lbs.
Stats
In 40 games in Sweden’s SuperElit, Johansson put up 29 points (5-24—29)
What are other people saying?
Here’s what Future Considerations says:
Showing some intriguing offensive skills, Johansson also plays smart in his own zone. He’s a very good skater with fluid strides. He has quick first steps and is adept at handling the puck as he accelerates to top speed. His hockey sense is well above average. He makes very good decision both with and without the puck. Able to enter the offensive zone with the puck in his possession, he utilizes small movements or stickhandling to make time for himself. He’s also good at protecting the puck before distributing it to his teammates. He’s a good passer as he can make quick and accurate short-range passes in the offensive zone. Throws it around well as a playmaker in that regard. He has a strong shot from the point.
Here’s what The Draft Analyst says:
A speedy puck mover with NHL bloodlines who was Farjestad J20’s top-pairing defender and primary power-play quarterback, Johansson is one of the more aggressive rearguards available in the draft. The son of former Calgary Flames defenseman Roger Johansson, Albert led his club in assists (24) and was the top-scoring rearguard with 29 points, which was the third most among Superelit defensemen. He performed in a support role for Sweden at both the under-18 Ivan Hlinka and U18 world championship, paired mostly with a similar puck mover in Ludvig Hedstrom. There is a lot of swagger to his game, specifically when he’s carrying the puck with speed through the neutral zone.
Quick Analysis
Another player that did not register on Prashanth’s model, but this kid can wheel. He’s lauded for his skating ability, and offensive prowess. I see him mostly as a finesse player, which could bode well for the Red Wings. Simply put, Johansson is fleet-footed rearguard, a complete athlete. Many analysts and fans say he will need to put on muscle before he gets any further, but my opinion is he shouldn’t sacrifice his skating to become bigger.
Johansson has a lot of potential, he’s the kind of player you’d like when you’re playing the cycle. He reminds me a lot of Torey Krug.
