Johansson proud of growth in what has been 'great season' with Griffins

DETROIT -- Albert Johansson's skill and skating ability are hard to ignore, but perhaps the most noticeable quality about the 21-year-old is his self-awareness.

Selected 60th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Johansson said while becoming a regular NHLer is his ultimate goal, he understands the journey to reach that point takes time.
"Everyone wants to develop to eventually play in the NHL one day," Johansson recently told
DetroitRedWings.com
. "But right now, we're here playing in Grand Rapids. I think the biggest key is to just play as good as you can, develop every day and come do your job every day. I'm just trying to focus on what I can do here in Grand Rapids and play good hockey. Hopefully, I get the chance one day."
Johansson, who grew up in Karlstad, Sweden, spent the past eight seasons developing in Farjestad BK's system before making the jump from the Swedish Hockey League to the American Hockey League.
"Coming over in my first year here, I just try to learn as much as I can," said Johansson, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit on June 5, 2020. "Of course, the veterans have been around this league and have played a lot of games here. You just try to listen and learn from them. You take the small things from them and try to put that in your game."
Through his first 53 games with the Griffins this season, Johansson has 15 points on five goals and 10 assists.
"I think my first couple (AHL) games were new," he said. "Coming over here and playing on smaller ice for a new team, I was just trying to learn the game. It was an adjustment, but I think it has gotten better every game. Overall, I think it's been a great season."
Johansson added that he's enjoyed adjusting to new surroundings.
"Grand Rapids is a good city," Johansson said. "There are a couple Swedes here and of course, Victor Brattstrom was here last year. Jonatan Berggren started the season here in Grand Rapids, too. They take care of us Swedes very well and show us around. There's a couple good restaurants and we get our own apartments, so it's been good."

When asked about his on-ice development, Johansson said he's coming into his own as a reliable defenseman.
"I think my defensive game has been better since last year," Johansson said. "It's a smaller ice and tighter in the corners, but I think my game in the D-zone and even play in the neutral zone are two areas where I've taken very big steps. I'm continuing to work on those, but overall, improvements in my defensive game have been the biggest step for me."
At 6-feet, 185 pounds, Johansson has never considered himself to be a physically imposing skater. But he's not afraid to initiate contact.
"On the ice, you have to just compete and play physical," Johansson said. "I'm not running over guys every time, but I'm trying to play physical and give players a bump so I can buy some time for myself. I think that's something I've learned this year and I've been stronger out there."

Johansson credits the Griffins' coaching staff for identifying where he can improve to become an effective pro player.
"They are really working us because they want us to continue our development," Johansson said. "We have everything we need, so it's a good place to be as we develop and take the next step."