PREVIEW: Johansson set for NHL debut when Red Wings face Predators on Saturday

DETROIT -- Albert Johansson will make his NHL debut when the Detroit Red Wings face the Nashville Predators at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.

“It’s going to be a special night,” said Johansson, who was the Red Wings’ 60th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. “It’s going to be a dream-come-true moment. I’m really excited.”

Puck drop between Detroit (0-1-0; 0 points) and Nashville (0-1-0; 0 points) is set for 7 p.m., with broadcast coverage on Bally Sports Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket). All ticketed fans will receive a 2024-25 season Magnet Schedule, presented by Belle Tire.

Prior to Saturday’s matchup, the Red Wings will also host the fan-favorite Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk in the Chevrolet Plaza outside Little Caesars Arena. Free to attend for all ages, the event will be held from 3-4 p.m. and give attendees an opportunity to interact with Detroit’s players and coaches. For more information, click here.

“We have a very passionate fanbase,” Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said. “I’ve seen the excitement of this fanbase…I personally love [that Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk] has become annual for me and my daughter.”

Johansson said he is feeling a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of his NHL debut. Last season, the 23-year-old defenseman had 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 66 games with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

“Of course I’m probably going to be nervous,” Johansson said. “But just go out there, keep it simple and play my game. Just enjoy the moment.”

Paired with Olli Maatta during Saturday’s morning skate, Johansson said he knows what he must do to be effective on the ice.

“I just want to come in, play a simple game and move pucks,” Johansson said. “Defensively, I think that’s the biggest key for me.”

Johansson, wearing a big smile on his face, said his family from Sweden will be in attendance to cheer him on.

“Mom, dad, and one of my brothers are on their way,” Johansson said. “They’re coming in at 1:30 p.m. Long day for them, but it’s a special night. I’m happy that it worked, and they can come here.”

Detroit dropped its season opener on Thursday in a 6-3 setback to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Alex DeBrincat (two goals, one assist) and Lucas Raymond (two assists) each had multi-point nights, but a three-goal second period from Pittsburgh proved too much for the Red Wings to overcome.

Head coach Derek Lalonde said self-inflicted wounds hurt his club on Thursday.

“I was fully confident, after how we performed in the first period, that would translate over 60 minutes and be successful [on Thursday] but didn’t,” Lalonde said. “Even some of the things that crept into our game in the second, some D-zone structure, obviously puck play was an issue [on Thursday]. We had a lot of turnovers. I think it was pretty self-inflicted, so I think it’s important not to overreact but respond correctly on a performance like that. It feels like we kind of gave one away with the way we started the game.”

As for the Predators, they are coming off a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Last season, Nashville finished fourth in the Central Division with a 47-30-5 record (99 points) before falling to the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference First Round.

“A different look than last year coming in [Saturday],” Tyler Motte said about the makeup of the Predators’ roster this season. “A better opportunity to take care of yourself, your details and hopefully put ourselves in a position to win a game.”