The Hockey News’s Sam Stockton posted an interview with Team Sweden defenseman Anton Johansson, who scored a goal on Saturday at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Johansson isn’t an offensive defenseman, but the 6’4,” 196-pound blueliner tells Stockton that he hopes to mold his game after someone known for his two-way game:
When asked where he sees room for growth in his game, Johansson told The Hockey News that he wants to focus “mostly on the defensive plays. I think I’ve got my offense pretty good, so I want to work on my defense and be tough there and just play hard.”
On the difference between regular season hockey with Leksands IF versus international play, Johansson said “it’s other players and other coaches, so you have to be your best and show yourself because it’s a small time you’re here, and you’ve got to show yourself the best.”
“It’s a big, big honor to play [at the World Junior], and of course everybody wants to play for the national team,” Johansson continued. “I’m looking forward to hopefully taking a spot there.”
As he continues down the path toward the NHL, Johansson will have one of his favorite players to watch in the league waiting for him. “I always watch Mortiz Seider actually,” Johansson says when asked about his favorite players. “I’m a big defender, can skate the puck and can use the puck. He’s a big guy, and I look at him a lot.”
