Patrik Allvin appeared to have hit a home run when he signed Filip Johansson, the Minnesota Wild's unsigned first-round pick. The Swede has finally made his way across the ocean since he joined the team's AHL affiliate in the middle of their playoff run.
The former NHLer who's now a hockey analyst in Sweden, Mike Zanier, made a promising statement on Johansson's future and he just may be the player who will be causing the much-needed surprise when comes September.
On Sekeres Price earlier today, the analyst was asked if Johansson would have trouble adjusting to the North American smaller rinks. It was stated that the biggest difference was the forecheck and Zanier sees him playing in Vancouver as soon as next year.
Johansson's progression has been a thing to watch, the right-handed shot defenceman doubled his point production in the SHL. Identified as a good skater with a booming shot, could he fill the last spot on the team's right side behind Ethan Bear and Filip Hronek?
Johansson will have the opportunity to prove his worth on our smaller rinks at training camp at the latest, we'll then see if he can manage to start in the NHL next year. This signing seems to be heading in a very promising direction as Zanier isn't the first analyst to suggest that Johansson will be causing a surprise once the Canucks start their training camp.
