DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills spoke with Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson recently, discussing Johansson’s desire to help contribute to a Red Wings playoff push, his sense of self after becoming a full-time regular defenseman in 2024-2025, and his training routine back in Karlstad, Sweden:
“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 recently 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.”
In 2024-25, Johansson registered nine points (three goals, six assists) in 61 games. The 24-year-old defenseman was a sponge during his rookie campaign, absorbing as much as he could from his veteran teammates and gaining a strong sense of what it takes to succeed 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 have an opportunity at this year’s Training Camp to show head coach Todd McLellan and the entire coaching staff everything that he’s been working on this summer.
“Everyone wants to take that next step, get in the playoffs and play those important games,” said the former second-round pick (No. 60 overall) in the 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.”
