Johansson’s growing confidence has gone hand in hand with his development. With Leksands IF this season, the Stockholm, Sweden, native finished with career-high totals in goals (5), assists (12) and points (17) in 42 contests.
“Leksands has been great to me and my family,” Johansson said. “We’re so happy we had those years there.”
Last spring, when the former fourth-round pick (No. 105 overall) made his AHL debut with the Griffins, much of it felt new. Johansson acknowledged that’s not the case this time around, pointing to his experience as a key difference.
“I feel like I’m more prepared this year,” Johansson said. “I know what this league is about, the players, the team, the system and stuff. It feels much more comfortable this year than last year.”
Johansson and Grand Rapids will try to avoid elimination in the Central Division Finals against the Chicago Wolves, with Game 3 scheduled for Tuesday night at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. The Griffins currently trail 2-0 in the best-of-five series.
“A great experience,” Johansson said. “Playing long series and in the playoffs are things you have to go through in your career.”