Prospect Info: 60th Overall, Albert Johansson, LD

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Where are these Lidström comments? I'd like to hear them.

Posted in the everything Swedish thread (2 or 3? I can't remember which.)

 

[Hen Kolland]

Because I believe my own eyes.
I don't need a lecture from you. I've been higher on Johansson than you have from day one.
1) Hakan Andersson's glowing remarks.
2) Positive scouting reports
3) Dynamite play in the 3 on 3 tournament.
4) Positive rookie season in the SHL.

So I was already high on the guy.
But what I saw in the WJCs poked some holes in that. And I've downgraded my expectations.
I believed he was going to shine in that tournament.
Instead, he was largely ineffective.
He was weak, soft and indecisive defensively.
Offensively, he skated the puck beautifully to nowhere in particular.
Until I see Johansson play in a way that addresses my concerns - on North America ice - I'm going to temper my expectations.

So let's get this straight, you claimed people's opinions as your own, sprinkled in a little 3 on 3, had no interest in watching him during his draft year, certainly never watched him in Sweden in his D+1 year, admitted to having not watched much if any SHL hockey in his D+2 year.

And you have been consistent in your shitting on him exclusively for a short tournament this season...and you want people to believe you when you say that "I liked him more than you."

You've never actually watched him to have an opinion that you formulated yourself, so how does that work?

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

So let's get this straight, you claimed people's opinions as your own, sprinkled in a little 3 on 3, had no interest in watching him during his draft year, certainly never watched him in Sweden in his D+1 year, admitted to having not watched much if any SHL hockey in his D+2 year.

And you have been consistent in your shitting on him exclusively for a short tournament this season...and you want people to believe you when you say that "I liked him more than you."

You've never actually watched him to have an opinion that you formulated yourself, so how does that work?

Humans are hardwired to dismiss facts that don't fit their worldview

 

[Henkka]

People should just ignore some "unnamed" guys in here, who are obviously just trolling with you guys.

 

[MBH]

So let's get this straight,

Oh, here it comes.

[quoote]you claimed people's opinions as your own, sprinkled in a little 3 on 3, had no interest in watching him during his draft year, certainly never watched him in Sweden in his D+1 year, admitted to having not watched much if any SHL hockey in his D+2 year.[/quoote]

I followed along like most North Americans, seeing the highlights.

And you have been consistent in your shitting on him exclusively for a short tournament this season...and you want people to believe you when you say that "I liked him more than you."

You've never actually watched him to have an opinion that you formulated yourself, so how does that work?

The WJCs helped me understand the serious flaws in his game- flaws I didn't really understand until I was able to watch on a big screen, with crystal clear TV production, and English announcing.

"consistently shitting on him."
Stop drama queening.
I still have Johansson in my top 6.

I still have him as a great skater and solid prospect.
I'm just a lot less certain of his ability to translate to the NHL game.

 

[lhsgolf19]

Loaned again to Farjestad next season


Little surprised

 

[FabricDetails]

Loaned again to Farjestad next season


Little surprised

I'm actually a fan of this. He had a good year. Can he do it again? Maybe be even better?

 

[ShippinItDaily]

Farjestad has the best odds to win the SHL right now at 4:1 with the next best team coming in at 7:1. Perhaps their perceived strength is a reason to keep him there. See how he does in a bigger role on a team that will have some pressure to perform.

 

[jfrank21]

I feel like maybe things are shifting with regards to the organization's philosphy on where these guys have to develop. Wouldnt surprise me if they feel that he will develop just fine playing overseas versus doing the GR route. If he does well enough, he could just step into the NHL like Mo.

 

[ChadS]

Loaned again to Farjestad next season


Little surprised

Were you expecting him to play in Detroit or GR?

I don't think he should be in the NHL and can't see a reason for GR versus Färjestad for one more year. He's right at that breakthrough point where next season he could develop into an elite two-way d-man in the SHL. With a big role on a strong Färjestad team and the large rink, I think we could see him make those offensive flashes a consistent part of his game while further developing his defense (still needs work + strength). If those things happen, he could even be ready to go right to Detroit.

 

[Pavels Dog]

I feel like maybe things are shifting with regards to the organization's philosphy on where these guys have to develop. Wouldnt surprise me if they feel that he will develop just fine playing overseas versus doing the GR route. If he does well enough, he could just step into the NHL like Mo.

I would not be surprised if Yzerman isn’t too happy with how GR has been developing players.
Also could be too much competition between McIsaac, Cholowski, Johansson.

Personally love this move! Johansson is gonna be good, but he needs time to build up his body.

 

[simonedvinsson]

I'm actually a fan of this. He had a good year. Can he do it again? Maybe be even better?

He's also got access to Kronwall over there. I'd love to see Johansson dominate over there before coming over to the AHL.

 

[Gniwder]

Were you expecting him to play in Detroit or GR?

I don't think he should be in the NHL and can't see a reason for GR versus Färjestad for one more year. He's right at that breakthrough point where next season he could develop into an elite two-way d-man in the SHL. With a big role on a strong Färjestad team and the large rink, I think we could see him make those offensive flashes a consistent part of his game while further developing his defense (still needs work + strength). If those things happen, he could even be ready to go right to Detroit.

NA hockey is a much more physical game, and at some point he's gonna have to make the jump. I suppose waiting another year isn't a big deal, but that team's name always reminds me of this guy:

 

[golffuul]

Good move, honestly. Just needs to get a bit stronger and gain another level of consistency to smooth out some of the "low" spots he has.

 

[Michael Brand Eggs]

It's working. He had a fantastic year and developed a ton. Just let it keep working. Don't rock the boat.

 

[lhsgolf19]

Were you expecting him to play in Detroit or GR?

I don't think he should be in the NHL and can't see a reason for GR versus Färjestad for one more year. He's right at that breakthrough point where next season he could develop into an elite two-way d-man in the SHL. With a big role on a strong Färjestad team and the large rink, I think we could see him make those offensive flashes a consistent part of his game while further developing his defense (still needs work + strength). If those things happen, he could even be ready to go right to Detroit.

I thought he might head to GR

 

[MrKriben]

I think there is several things that makes this a win win situation for Detroit, Albert and for Färjestad.
Last season was Alberts first real season in the SHL with demands of being atleast the #2 d for the team going into the season. The team struggled in special teams as well as 5 on 5 and Albert was one of the few highlights of the season. This is coming from someone that have been watching SHL and Färjestad since the 80s.. It was a BAD season for us.
Färjestad is actually quite like Detroit as a franchise. Long history, first without that much success and then 20-25 years of being in semifinals, finals or winning pretty much each season with some hickups.. That ended about 6-7 years ago where we either developed players that were not good enough for SHL or they went directly to the NHL (Brodin, Klefbom, Marcus Johansson and pretty much all of the goalies that we produced ended up in AHL).
At the same time, the franchise has a strong economy, we were one of the first ones in SHL with our own arena that we lease to the city to get revenue and help.. Anyways, this last season was the straw the broke the camels back and we decided to use some of that monetary strength that is there.

We said goodbye to very expensive and underpreforming defenders in Blum, Mozik, Arnesson and sadly Sebastian Erixon due to concussion syndome (yet a high cost for him)
Instead we have two juniors who make less than $10.000 a month (Albert and Joel Nyström who's in this years draft) and we brought back Mikael Wikstrand from KHL. Wikstrand was our captain and played for us 4 years after returning from his less than successful trial of NHL.

Also, the management adressed what the team was lacking. First of all leadership, then special teams specialists and then a better centerline.
Last year we had Jacob Peterson, Jacob Nilsson, Oscar Bäck and Martin Johansson. Neither of them are a #1 C in SHL, none of them (besides Bäck) was any good at face-offs which was one of the primary issues with the BP and we did not have any playmakers or good bumpers in PP.

So.. This year we got a centerline with Gustav Rydahl (national team player), Jacob de la Rose (NHL and national team player) and Linus Johansson (national team player).
Rydahl was injured last year while De la Rose "played" in NHL and Johansson in KHL.

Besides that, Marcus Nilsson was brought in as the skilled playmaker we need in PP and also Joakim Nygård.

Suddenly, Färjestad is THE favorite for the cup this upcoming season.


So why is this good for Detroit and Albert?
Well, Albert will have something he has not had before, people who really really hate to lose and can lead a team both on the ice and in the lockerroom. Players with direct connection to the team and the city. He will be one of the 3 defenders that will play minimum of 20 minutes each night, in BP, PP and 5on5 and he will do that with much better players than he got to play with previous seasons that will allow him to work more on the things in his game that will make him take the last step. I doubt he will be forechecked as hard with Wikstrand or Ginning as a partner or having De La Rose or Linus Johansson helping out, I doubt he will be forced to drive his PP unit since the plays will be set up in a diffrent ways.. He will have ALOT more slapshop pratctice this year..
Also, Albert is a hometown guy, he has pretty much always lived at his parents, if Detroit has a way of getting him the environment, players, winning culture and so on, I think that is the best option instead of uprooting him, having him play in the AHL "just cause" and perhaps loose the progress curve he has had.
I have no doubts that 22/23 Albert will be an NHLer.

 

[19 for president]

I thought he might head to GR

I thought there was a chance as well, but I think the difference between say him and Raymond really comes down to playing time and potential of making the Wings. I don't think there was any chance he makes the Wings this year and he seems to have at least a top 4 spot locked up in the SEL. The SEL is a great development league if we want him to continue building his offensive game. Also having Kronner there to work with him doesn't hurt at all.

In contrast I don't feel like Raymond was getting the playing time/linemates that the Wings would have liked, and I think he has a greater chance of making the Wings out of camp. Plus even if he goes to GR he has the ability to work more on his strength which is a bonus for him.

I won't compare either to Seider's development route because Seider had a very NHL ready body. You rarely see guys with Seider's kind of strength that early on in their careers.

 

[MBH]

Were you expecting him to play in Detroit or GR?

I don't think he should be in the NHL and can't see a reason for GR versus Färjestad for one more year. He's right at that breakthrough point where next season he could develop into an elite two-way d-man in the SHL. With a big role on a strong Färjestad team and the large rink, I think we could see him make those offensive flashes a consistent part of his game while further developing his defense (still needs work + strength). If those things happen, he could even be ready to go right to Detroit.

I was expecting him to play in Grand Rapids and start learning the North American game.
I'm not sure it's wise to expect a ton of offensive development. You see a guy like Stecher. That might be the kind of ceiling to see in Johansson offensive game.
And that's just fine IF he develops his defensive game.

Year 3 of the SHL doesn't sound so great for development.
I know Kronwall was there 3 years post draft, but he was 5'10 when he was drafted.

 

[Henkka]

Nice to see Yzerman being smart and spreading our kids to better developmental places than Grand Rapids.

Hate that new AHL alignment, because Griffins is so far away from other teams and even division rivals. Too much travel, too less rest and that leads to poor development.

 

[ChadS]

I was expecting him to play in Grand Rapids and start learning the North American game.
I'm not sure it's wise to expect a ton of offensive development. You see a guy like Stecher. That might be the kind of ceiling to see in Johansson offensive game.
And that's just fine IF he develops his defensive game.

Year 3 of the SHL doesn't sound so great for development.
I know Kronwall was there 3 years post draft, but he was 5'10 when he was drafted.

I don't think it makes much sense to compare how long prospects spend in whatever leagues.

In general, I believe pretty strongly in not rushing prospects out of places where they still have a lot to learn, are given a proper role and face strong enough competition - especially if it also involves moving to another country. It's just unnecessary friction in the developmental process. Obviously it's a case by case thing and there are exceptions.

Ultimately, if they're good enough to develop into impact NHLers they will probably do so regardless of where their pre-NHL years are spent, assuming proper ice time and coaching. Us not rushing Europeans to GR also means more room for North American prospects who really have no other options after junior/college.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Loaned again to Farjestad next season


Little surprised

I'm not. I personally think it's a good move for him and for the organization. Grand Rapids can't be full to the brim with our prospects as they are separately owned and their owners want vets to help them win titles as well. And Johansson's game grew considerably over there after the WJC U20's to the point where I would have considered him amongst the best 10 or 15 defensemen in the league after coming back. He was excellent in his last 20 or so games.

Farjestad is primed for an SHL title run and Johansson will be a big part of it. It will be exciting to watch him play over there.

 

[MBH]

I don't think it makes much sense to compare how long prospects spend in whatever leagues.

In general, I believe pretty strongly in not rushing prospects out of places where they still have a lot to learn, are given a proper role and face strong enough competition - especially if it also involves moving to another country. It's just unnecessary friction in the developmental process. Obviously it's a case by case thing and there are exceptions.

Ultimately, if they're good enough to develop into impact NHLers they will probably do so regardless of where their pre-NHL years are spent, assuming proper ice time and coaching. Us not rushing Europeans to GR also means more room for North American prospects who really have no other options after junior/college.

He was good enough to be considered for the Swedish roster.
He's played two full years of Swedish pro.

There's no reason to believe he would be "rushed" to Grand Rapids.

Outside of Alex Cotton, which NA prospects are in a roster pickle?

This kid is going to need to learn to use that skating in NHL sized rinks in an north American league.

Not only that, but having Johansson along with Berggren and Raymond might be beneficial for all 3 Swedes.

 

[Pavels Dog]

Year 3 of the SHL doesn't sound so great for development.
I know Kronwall was there 3 years post draft, but he was 5'10 when he was drafted.

Year 1 he was at 12 minutes per game.
Year 2 about 17-18 minutes.
Next season expect upwards of 20 minutes.

Also he will see more action with national team. Too much competition to make Olympics but in a everything-goes-well scenario he could be a key player at next WHC.

Also his father is his skating coach so it doesn’t hurt to keep going with that.

Lastly, outside of his hockey gear he still looks like he’s 15. SHL schedule allows for good training, AHL schedule is more game-heavy.

 

[Gniwder]

He was good enough to be considered for the Swedish roster.
He's played two full years of Swedish pro.

There's no reason to believe he would be "rushed" to Grand Rapids.

Outside of Alex Cotton, which NA prospects are in a roster pickle?

This kid is going to need to learn to use that skating in NHL sized rinks in an north American league.

Not only that, but having Johansson along with Berggren and Raymond might be beneficial for all 3 Swedes.

I'm guessing that Cotton stays with his team as an over-ager, each WHL team is allowed 3.