The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan posted a profile of Albert Johansson today, and it’s heavy on comments from coach Derek Lalonde which merit noting this afternoon:
“He’s shown some things that we had hoped and expected from him and that’s being a puck-mover,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “That’s him being an intelligent player around the ice. The physicality part of it he needs to keep growing. You can see he’s got himself in some trouble by just losing battles where he’s giving up 40-50 pounds, 2-3 inches, so that comes with a little more experience, a little more detail in his game, defend through hands, defend quick. But I would say a positive (camp, preseason).”
As the preseason ends, it’ll be up to the Wings and Johansson to make sure the young defenseman’s development isn’t stalled. It doesn’t appear Johansson has done enough to earn a regular spot in the lineup. That’s where practices become increasingly important, so Johansson can reach his full potential.
“Practice reps are important, these exhibition games are extremely important,” Lalonde said. “Being ready. This will be new territory for him. You walk into the morning skate anticipating he’s No. 7 (a healthy scratch, most likely) and then he’s playing, so there are some challenges there. He needs to keep growing and building his game. There are a ton of positives, and his play and development path over the last couple of years has put him in and us in a situation that is positive.”
Johansson was in the lineup Friday as the Wings ended the home portion of their preseason schedule against Ottawa. He has felt better as the preseason schedule has gone on.
“It’s been good,” Johansson said. “The first couple of games, it’s always tough after a long summer. But overall I’ve been taking steps in the right direction after every game.”
Johansson has tried to stay within himself during this preseason.
“I’m just trying to play my game, I know what they want to see,” he said. “That’s something I’m trying to show them, and just play solid and be great defending and moving pucks. That’s the biggest keys for me right now.”
Continued with a slate of notes (paywall)
