The Detroit Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson offseason decision to return to Leksands in the Swedish Hockey League rather than play in Grand Rapids was undoubtedly influenced by the fact his father Tomas Johansson was the team’s sports director.

Would that decision have been different if he knew the elder Johansson would be fired Friday?

With Leksands (11-25-5-1) in last place in the SHL, Johansson was removed after eight years on the job. Leksands seems headed to relegation, which means falling out of the top Swedish League.

Hard-hitting defenseman Anton Johansson is an intriguing top 10 Red Wings prospect. Presumably, they would have preferred to see him playing North American hockey this season in Grand Rapids. But the SHL regular season ends March 14, and the plan is for Johansson to join the Griffins as soon as possible after that. He played 11 regular season games (five assists) and three playoff games (one assist) with the Griffins last season.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff has a story on the 10 oldest living former Detroit Red Wings.

Moritz Seider is the foundation of Germany’s Olympic team. He played more than 26 minutes and had an assist in the team’s opening win.

Captain Dylan Larkin was off the scoresheet but won 80% of his faceoffs in USA’s opening win against Latvia.

Red Wings Extra

Dimitri Buchelnikov (52nd, 2022) scored a goal in CSKA’s 2-0 win against Spartak. It was his first game back from the injury list. He now has 11 goals and 21 points in 32 games this season.

Dimitri Buchelnikov(2nd round’22)
1 Goal +1 2PIM 3/4 SOG 9:54 TOI in a 2-0 win #LGRW pic.twitter.com/M0H9AnI7lJ

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) February 12, 2026

Hockey Now Digest

Florida: Matthew Tkachuk sets up brother Brady for his first Olympic goal. FHN has details. Florida Panthers. 

New Jersey: James Nichols offers his take on which Devils have the most to gain or lose at the Olympic Games. New Jersey Devils. 

San Jose: Before the break, were the Sharks having difficulty adjusting to the tighter defensive pressure the team is facing? San Jose Sharks. 

 

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