Detroit City Wire

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has expressed satisfaction with Albert Johansson's performance this season. The 23-year-old rookie defenseman is expected to improve further as he gains more experience in the NHL.

“Albert’s gone just like this from beginning of last year on,” Lalonde said, motioning his hand upward. “And now, it’s a little different. I know it’s a small sample size, but we’re able to see it in the NHL. To his credit we’ve used him on his off-hand, a tough ask, and he’s been great. We’re looking for some shot suppression, a little more possession time, and he’s been very good at possession with breakouts.”

Johansson made his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators on October 12 and has played four games with the Red Wings this season. With Detroit trading Olli Maatta to the Utah Hockey Club for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, there will be more ice time available for Johansson and other defensemen.

“I was going into this season to make the team and play here,” Johansson stated. “Every game I get to play, I try to take the opportunity and play as well as possible.”

Drafted by the Red Wings with the 60th overall pick in 2019, Johansson accumulated 36 points over two seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League.

“There’s a lot of good players here,” Johansson noted about playing in the NHL. “It’s a fast league, and guys are strong out there. I’m trying to work hard every day to get better.”

Lalonde praised Johansson's hockey IQ which aids him as a smaller defenseman at six feet tall and weighing 185 pounds.

“I had a concern obviously playing against size, but that hasn’t been an issue,” Lalonde remarked. “He’s got high compete. As a smaller [defenseman], you defend with position, through hands, and he’s done that.”

Teammate Jeff Petry highlighted Johansson's skating ability: “As you are put in those situations and getting that experience, you’re going to continue to see growth,” Petry said. “He’s a good skater."

Johansson aims to learn from his fellow defensemen: “All the defensemen in here are so good,” he said. "Just trying to take in and learn as much as possible from them."

In terms of personal development goals, Johansson focuses on core aspects of his gameplay: “Move the puck, move my feet and play good defensively,” he explained.