Red Wings Slow-Cooked Quality Defensive Prospect (+)

In an era when teams made mistakes trying to microwave the development of quality prospects, the Detroit Red Wings have embraced the crock pot approach to defenseman Albert Johansson.

They have slow-cooked the 2019 draft pick to the point that he will no longer be waiver exempt next season. GM Steve Yzerman isn’t saying he’s on the team, but the Red Wings expect him to show he’s ready in training camp. He has served a lengthy apprenticeship, having played three seasons in the Swedish Hockey League and two more in the AHL to earn his shot. He will turn 24 during his first NHL season.

“He’s going to have to earn a job — I’m not just going to hand it to him,” Yzerman said. “I was really pleased with his development this season. Last year as well,” Yzerman said.