Douglas Johnsson #7D – July 1 2009 – Lulea, Sweden – 5’10” / 170lbs – Right Handed – Skelleftea AIK U20 (U20 Nationell) Douglas Johnsson is a highly mobile offensive defenseman whose skating, puck movement and offensive instincts give him legitimate upside at higher levels. His skating is his standout physical tool, with strong speed and change-of-direction ability allowing him to escape pressure, join the rush and create space for himself offensively. He has shown the ability to make crisp breakout passes and contribute on the power play, while his shooting and ability to manipulate defenders with changes of direction and feints provide another offensive dimension. Johnsson also displays solid Hockey IQ in offensive situations and has shown flashes of competitiveness around his own net, including the willingness and strength to battle larger opponents. His ability to cut off shooting lanes has also emerged as a positive defensive trait. The major concern with Johnsson is his defensive game, particularly his ability to defend the rush and consistently handle pressure in his own zone. Across multiple viewings, he was caught flat-footed or beaten cleanly off the rush, while questionable puck decisions and failed breakouts occasionally created dangerous chances against. His smaller frame also makes it easier for opponents to move him around in his own end, and he does not yet consistently drive defensive play at the level expected of a top-pairing defenseman. The offensive upside is clear, but the defensive deficiencies create a significant limitation on his projection. Overall, Johnsson projects as a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman whose skating and puck-moving ability could translate to an NHL role, but his path to that level will depend heavily on improving his rush defense, defensive positioning and ability to execute reliable exits under pressure.
22 – Douglas Johnsson (5’10” | 170lbs | RD | Skellefteå AIK U20 | Sweden) An undersized but at times game-altering blueliner, Douglas Johnsson had a must-watch performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on an underwhelming Swedish team. Skating is the focal point of his game, using exceptional edge work and top speed to generate separation in all three zones. Although not known for a heavy point shot, his softer, more tactical release consistently finds its way through traffic to create chaos and high-danger rebound opportunities in front. He’s a dynamic playmaker who regularly finds the highlight reel by deking through opponents before finding his teammates on the backdoor tap-in. Finding better consistency will be key to elevating his draft stock, but if he can undergo a late growth spurt closer to his dad Pierre’s 6’2″ frame, Johnsson could become a marquee feature of this draft class.
Douglas Johnsson, D (2027 NHL Draft Eligible) The Tape: 5-foot-10, 169 pounds | Skellefteå J20 (Sweden) The Analysis: Johnsson is yet another example of the modern, undersized, highly intelligent puck-moving defenseman that Sweden is becoming famous for developing. He mitigates his lack of raw physical size with elite edge-work, an active defensive stick, and an incredibly fast outlet pass. He rarely absorbs direct physical contact because his lateral mobility allows him to dance away from oncoming forecheckers, making him a fascinating long-term project.
Douglas Johnsson -Right Defence
Douglas Johnsson plays in the Skellefteå system and fits into the mould of a prototypical Swedish puck-moving, offensive-minded blue-liner and power-play quarterback.
Offensively:
Johnsson is a smooth, confident skater with solid edgework and mobility. This mobility allows him to join the attack and to recover defensively if there is a turnover. He is a good passing option, making a quick first pass and shows a willingness to use his shot from the point, which is used to generate tip-ins and rebounds that increase scoring chances. He excels on the PP, using his mobility to effortlessly walk the blue line and look for seam passes. He is also effective when using the give and go, stepping into open space to release a one-timer and remain a shooting threat.
Defensively:
He competes and is willing to engage in traffic, but added strength will be needed if he hopes to consistently win battles along the boards and in front of his net at the next level. Through the neutral zone and against a rush offence, he uses positioning, tight gaps and an active stick to guide forwards to the outside and to cut off passing lanes. This pressure has forced turnovers that turn into a quick transition offence. Continued refinement of angling and timing will increase his defensive reliability.
Johnsson is consistently looking to generate offence on the transition by moving the puck up from the defensive zone with a quick pass or to take possession and jump up on the rush. This desire means he must work to gain possession. At 154 pounds, he can’t rely on physicality to make that happen; instead, he is highly capable of maintaining tight gaps, remaining between the puck and his goal, and playing through the hands of the attackers, making it difficult for them to complete plays around him.
Abbotsford Canucks
Bakersfield Condors
Calgary Wranglers
Coachella Valley Firebirds
Colorado Eagles
Henderson Silver Knights
Iowa Wild
Manitoba Moose
Milwaukee Admirals
Ontario Reign
Rockford IceHogs
San Diego Gulls
San Jose Barracuda
Springfield Thunderbirds
Texas Stars
Tucson Roadrunners
Belleville Senators
Charlotte Checkers
Chicago Wolves
Cleveland Monsters
Grand Rapids Griffins
Hamilton Hammers
Hartford Wolf Pack
Hershey Bears
Laval Rocket
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Providence Bruins
Rochester Americans
Syracuse Crunch
Toronto Marlies
Utica Comets
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
SWE
