Johansson will be the defense equivalent of Berggren being up full time. Both of them were absolute studs in their final years in the SHL, being key to each of their teams playoff runs after unbelievable regular play. Then they both came over to GR and quickly established themselves as the best and most consistent forward and defensemen on the Griffins. We're more familiar with Johnny because of his call ups, but Johansson would've been called last spring for a good look if he wasn't set back with an injury. It's no coincidence that all the Griffins point to Johansson as the best player on the team from the interview from the fall. The kid is a player, plays a super intelligent two-way game, solid on both ends, and he's just ... straight up under appreciated.
Johansson is stepping up to the Wings next year if for no other reason other than he's no longer waiver exempt along with Berggren. And we add in two 23 yr old, 2nd middle line players and provide great depth. Johansson plays both sides, but is a more natural LD, despite playing right side to Ed. The fact he could slot in on our third pair behind Walman and Ed is a huge luxury and all but guarantees that Maatta's time here needs to wind down (Walman, Chariot, Edvinsson, Johansson all LD, despite Chariot being on the RD).
Get excited for Johansson. He's going to be awesome up on the team