You can say that Leksands GM Thomas Johansson is a bit biased in his assessment that Detroit Red Wings defense prospect Anton Johansson will play in the NHL, and you’re not wrong.

He is, after all, also the player’s father, as well as being his boss.

Dad says he can put family matters aside when it comes to assessing hockey talent, and with good reason. If Thomas Johansson suits up players who aren’t worthy of their position, he’ll soon be out of a job.

When asked which player will take the next big step Leksands IF coach Johan Hedberg singled out Anton Johansson first.

He said he established himself last season but came back this season as a man.

Nice praise from the former NHL goaler.#LGRW

— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) September 8, 2025

He insists his assessment of Anton has nothing to do with bloodlines. It’s entirely based on hockey ability.

“I don’t know how many other SHL defenders could actually have the opportunity to play in the NHL,” the elder Johansson told Swedish website Hockey Sverige of his son’s potential. “I absolutely believe that (Anton Johansson) could be such a player.”

The Red Wings hockey braintrust would appear to share in that analysis. During the summer, the club signed Anton Johansson to an entry-level contract.

Red Wings Loan Johansson To Swedish Squad

He was impressive in a late-season audition with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, collecting six points in 14 games. With one year remaining on his contract with Leksands, Anton Johansson was returned on loan to the Swedish club.

“I know how close Anton Johansson was to ending up in North America and maybe getting the opportunity to play in the NHL in the future,” Thomas Johansson said. “If he lives up to the quality he has, we will miss that type of player.”

During the SHL preseason, Johansson was skating in the top defense pairing for Leksands.

Anton Johansson(4th round’22 for Leksands if) GOAL!!!🚨 😮‍💨
He chips the puck over the opponents stick and rips it short side top shelf. People need to start respecting his game more. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/tJpdUw4mQw

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 4, 2025

“I hope that he can take on a good, big role and play at the high level that he showed during the preseason,” Thomas Johansson said of his son.

Still only 21, the player chosen 105th overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL entry draft is entering his third SHL season.

“Now he doesn’t have that track record,” Thomas Johansson admitted. “That’s what I sometimes think when you do an analysis of Leksands. That you do it based on how many years the player has played in the league, when you look at Eliteprospects, instead of looking at the potential and what’s behind it.”