Anton Johansson scored his second goal of the season on Thursday, but the Detroit Red Wings still fell 2-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights. His steady presence on defense has helped the Wings navigate a growing contract standoff with Simon Edvinsson, whose holdout has stretched into its second month since the season began. Edvinsson faces a deadline on December 1 to sign or risk sitting out the entire NHL season, yet interim general manager Shawn Horcoff remains focused on reaching an agreement rather than pursuing a trade.
Johansson, 22, and fellow rookie defenseman William Wallinder, 24, have cemented their places in Detroit’s lineup amid these challenges. The Wings have compiled a 7-7-3 record through the first month without Edvinsson and with the recent absence of captain Dylan Larkin, who left the team at the end of October to await a trade. Both Johansson and Wallinder have responded by stepping up their game.
Coach Todd McLellan praised the team’s collective effort after Friday’s practice. “It’s team buy-in, first of all. Everybody has to perform a specific job, and as a result we’ll protect each other, the structure can protect people,” he said. “As far as the young guys buying in and picking it up, they’ve done a real good job, but the team as a whole has done a good job because it’s new to everyone.” McLellan noted that some younger players find it easier to adapt by blending in with veterans, adding that Johansson and Wallinder are among those who have adjusted quickly.
Johansson, drafted 105th overall in 2022, has five points in 17 games, ranking third among the team’s defensemen. At 6-foot-4 and 203 pounds, he shoots right and has shifted between the top four and third defensive pairings. Recently, he has paired with veteran Andreas Englund. Wallinder, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound left-shot selected 32nd overall in 2020, has contributed four points in 12 games and has played seven consecutive matches after an initial period in and out of the lineup. He currently partners with Justin Faulk on the second defensive pairing.
Wallinder described how he has grown more comfortable since joining the NHL. “It’s becoming a lot easier, just knowing the way around the game, how every team plays,” he said. “It’s different every night, so you just have to be prepared when you get here every day and focus on every game.” He stressed the importance of awareness on the ice, especially against star forwards, and said he approaches games with excitement rather than nerves.
Johansson echoed the theme of gaining confidence through experience. “You’re getting experience every day, every game, every practice and you get more comfortable,” he said. “I feel like I can handle this level pretty good.” Facing top-tier talent nightly has helped his development, he added. “The teams we played the last couple of games, it’s probably like the top six forwards in the Olympics. They’re world class and it makes me develop a little bit better when you get to play against good players.”
Off the ice, the two defensemen are close friends. Johansson described their relationship as a source of comfort. “We’re best friends. I mean, we’ve known each other for a long time. We played together in Grand Rapids when I came over. It makes me more comfortable, and I think it makes him more comfortable to come in here, too. We’re hanging out basically every day.” They originally stayed in hotel rooms near Little Caesars Arena before moving to a metro Detroit hotel, and both have been encouraged to find their own places, signaling their established status within the team.
McLellan noted the importance of making the young players feel included. “We’re pretty sure on these guys,” he said. “They lay in the hotel and they’re going, OK, well, when’s it going to happen? When’s it going to happen? That probably does play on them, but as long as their gear is hanging in that stall in there and they get to come to this rink and get on our plane, they’re important and they’re part of our team. That’s what they should be thinking about.”
The Red Wings prepare for a challenging four-game road trip starting Saturday at the Colorado Avalanche, followed by visits to St. Louis, Florida, and Tampa Bay. During this stretch, forwards Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton, along with defenseman Albert Johansson, are expected to return to the lineup. Meanwhile, Anton Johansson and Wallinder will continue to shoulder defensive responsibilities as Detroit navigates the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Edvinsson’s contract status.
According to Yahoo Sports.
