Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Victor Johansson is quietly proving himself this season in Sweden, and showcasing his future NHL worth.
Leafs defenseman prospect Victor Johansson is emerging as a talented defensive prospect, and his recent play has shown him at his best so far this season, and a possible indication of what could be at the NHL level.
Johansson started the season in the SHL with Leksands, one of two Leafs prospects promoted to the big club from the U20 along with 2025 second rounder Tinus Luc Koblar.
Winning gold at the 2026 World Juniors with Sweden, Johansson was a reliable puck-moving defenseman for the Swedes, although he wasn’t a regular, he said the tournament helped boost his confidence playing and winning with his home nation.
The Toronto fourth rounder had started the season in the SHL but was loaned by Leksands to the second tier Allsvenskan with Oskarshamn, where he has been able to be a productive defenseman with five points in 15 games with the club.
Johansson’s positive play has gained him a recent promotion to Leksands, where he played against Luleå, and could be a stepping stone to Johansson becoming a regular with the team.
Victor Johansson translating to the pros, but development still needed
Victor Johansson is a player who is still raw and needs time to mature, but is moving forward in his development at a positive rate.
Not the biggest defenseman at 6’0 and 165lbs, Johansson has some clear filling to do, and at the pro level is still getting a handle at figuring out how to stop opponents at the SHL level, but the Allsvenskan could be a stepping stone that helps Johansson get there.
There is a question of Johansson’s future after this season. Leksands currently sits last in the SHL and is at risk of relegation, this has both Johansson and Koblar as possible players who could leave the team to stick in the top league if teams come calling.
Even if he sticks with Leksands, it could be a positive for Johansson to stick in the lineup full-time in what could be a big-minute boost next season.
Johansson is a bit away from someone who is ready to make the jump to North America and the AHL, so 1-2 more years in Sweden is realistic for the defenseman, with the right development a pathway to speed up his progression.
Next season could be a big decision for Victor Johansson, who this season is already emerging as someone who can be a regular in a pro setting, waiting to be tested at a higher level.
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