Albert Johansson, a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, has renewed his commitment to the team by signing a two-year contract extension on June 30. Johansson is looking forward to making significant strides in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
“We made a push and didn’t get in, and when you’re back home and you see the [Stanley Cup Playoffs] are still going on, you want to be there,” Johansson told DetroitRedWings.com. “You want to play in the playoffs. With the team we have, I know all the guys in the room are very excited and want to get there. For the fans too, because it’s been a long time. It’s a hunger.”
During the 2024-25 season, Johansson accumulated nine points with three goals and six assists over 61 games. As a rookie, he learned from veteran teammates about succeeding as an NHL regular.
“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.”
Johansson will demonstrate his summer progress at this year’s Training Camp under head coach Todd McLellan’s watchful eye.
“Everyone wants to take that next step, get in the playoffs and play those important games,” said Johansson, drafted as No. 60 overall in 2019 NHL Entry Draft. “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.”
Training in Karlstad, Sweden with other NHL players during offseason has been beneficial for Johansson.
“We start off the ice with workouts at 10 o’clock in the morning, then we always go grab lunch and skate in the afternoon,” Johansson said.
Training alongside fellow Karlstad natives like Ottawa Senators’ Fabian Zetterlund among others has also been advantageous.
“It really helps,” Johansson said of training with experienced players like Joel Eriksson Ek from Minnesota Wild. “When you’re with a guy like Joel Eriksson Ek…it’s fun to be on ice battling against him…so it’s good having other guys that have been in League more years than me.”
