
Anton Johansson Eyes NHL Breakthrough After Strong AHL Showings
A detailed look at Anton Johansson’s development, his prospects with the Detroit Red Wings, and the hurdles he must overcome to secure an NHL spot.
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A detailed look at Anton Johansson’s development, his prospects with the Detroit Red Wings, and the hurdles he must overcome to secure an NHL spot.

The Manitoba Moose finished a modest 35‑29‑5‑3 campaign in 2025‑26, but a potent goaltending duo and emerging forwards could reshape their outlook for the upcoming season.

Carter Bear, a 19‑year‑old left winger selected 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is preparing to make the jump from the Western Hockey League to the American Hockey League. Known for a deceptive shot and stealthy offensive instincts that echo the style of Hall‑of‑Famer Brett Hull, Bear combines scoring flair with a relentless work ethic. Despite standing 6‑0 and 186 pounds, he battles for every loose puck, using competitiveness to compensate for a modest physical frame. A lingering Achilles injury early in the season slowed his progress, but by the winter he had regained full health, finishing the campaign with seven goals and 22 points in 18 playoff games, helping Everett capture the WHL championship before falling to the Kitchener Rangers in the Memorial Cup final. Red Wings development director Dan Cleary has praised Bear’s mindset, noting that the organization plans to groom him as an elite AHL scorer over the next two years. While a Detroit debut within that window is anticipated, the team emphasizes a careful approach to his physical development and skating refinement before NHL readiness.

The Detroit Red Wings are confronting a leadership vacuum, with Dylan Larkin still on the roster despite requesting a trade, while key players approach free agency and a new executive takes shape.

The Detroit Red Wings are exploring a low-risk, $850,000 contract for AHL leading scorer John Leonard, hoping his speed and shot can offset the loss of Patrick Kane and the trade request of captain Dylan Larkin.

The Detroit Red Wings are evaluating 20‑year‑old right winger Michael Brandsegg‑Nygard, whose powerful shot, AHL productivity and international experience position him as a potential third‑line catalyst for the 2026‑27 season.

The Detroit Red Wings have appointed former NHL veteran Shawn Horcoff as interim general manager, tasked with guiding the franchise until a permanent hire is made by owner Chris Illitch.

The Detroit Red Wings' trade request saga involving Dylan Larkin remains unresolved after two months, while owner Chris Ilitch faces challenges with the Tigers' baseball team. The Tigers traded ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to the LA Dodgers, a move criticized by fans despite playoff success. Meanwhile, the NHL Network's top 20 wingers list sparked debate by omitting Alex DeBrincat in favor of Lucas Raymond.

After a season split between the Kalamazoo Wings and Abbotsford Canucks, Lemieux inked a one‑year, two‑way deal with the Griffins, bringing a blend of experience and upside to the Grand Rapids net.

Jake Leschyshyn signs with HIFK Helsinki, Tim Gettinger heads to Sheffield Steelers, and Andy Andreoff’s KHL deal ends, signaling a broader shift of experienced players toward overseas competition.

The Detroit Red Wings are pinning their hopes on a fresh wave of talent as the 2026‑27 NHL season approaches, spotlighting four standout prospects.

The Detroit Red Wings re‑sign goalie Carter Gylander, see Michael Hutchinson retire and move abroad, miss out on Anthony Mantha, and watch Yegor Vinogradov stay in the KHL.

The Utah Mammoth have acquired goaltender Sebastian Cossa from the Detroit Red Wings, adding a veteran presence after a decorated junior career and international gold-medal experience.

Detroit Red Wings have secured the rights to 2023 draft pick Noah Dower Nilsson, who signed a three‑year entry‑level contract that will begin in the 2026‑27 season after a productive stint with Frolunda HC.

Carter Mazur, a Michigan native, has signed a two‑year deal with the Detroit Red Wings, hoping his physical style and AHL productivity will translate into a meaningful NHL role.

After a 33‑goal, 21‑assist season with the Grand Rapids Griffins and a recent one‑year extension, winger John Leonard is poised to fight for a permanent NHL roster spot with the Red Wings or via trade.
After a storied NHL stint and Olympic appearances, Jan Mursak has chosen to finish his playing days with EC-KAC, bringing his experience to the Austrian club’s title chase and future mentorship.

The Buffalo Sabres broke a 15‑year playoff drought and bolstered their roster with Peyton Krebs, while the Grand Rapids Griffins added key depth players ahead of a promising season for the Detroit Red Wings.

Anton Johansson made a notable impact in his first AHL games, scoring his inaugural goal and contributing six points in eight appearances, while Detroit secures his rights through the 2027‑28 season.

Michal Postava’s debut season with the Grand Rapids Griffins was a masterclass in net‑minding, culminating in league awards, franchise records and a deep playoff run.

The Athletic's NHL Top 20 prospect goalie rankings place Augustine at No. 3 and Sebastian Cossa at No. 4, while Michal Postava enters the mix as a potential backup, prompting a series of moves that could redefine Detroit's netminding future.

The New Jersey Devils have secured forward Anthony Mantha on a two‑year, $9.5 million contract after his career‑high 64‑point season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Detroit Red Wings are reconfiguring their goaltending depth, promoting Trey Augustine to a top‑three prospect while reshaping the roster with Utah Mammoth acquisitions and veteran hedge signings.

The Detroit Red Wings have opened a leadership vacuum after Steve Yzerman stepped down, prompting a search that includes former executive Ryan Martin and other AHL general managers.