Vancouver Canucks of Tomorrow: Filip Johansson

Canucks of Tomorrow is assessing every prospect in the Vancouver Canucks system and what they are projecting to be in the future. We’ll be looking at the strengths and weaknesses of their game, as well as what the future holds for them if and when they advance through the Vancouver organization. Today, we feature Filip Johansson.

FILIP JOHANSSON

Position: Right shot Defenceman

How Acquired: 2022 Free agent acquisition, signed June 13th

2021-22 Stats: (GP-W-L-OTL) 47-3-8-11, 8 PIM (Frölunda HC, Swedish Hockey League)

Contract Status: Two seasons remaining on a two-year, two-way NHL-AHL deal

Anticipated 2022-23 Team: SHL Frölunda

Prospect Synopsis

One can’t wander too far before ending up talking about another Swedish prospect for the Vancouver Canucks. That’s simply the new look for the depths of the franchise. We also didn’t wait very long to pop back to our favourite position of emphasis; right-shot defenceman.

In June Filip Johansson signed a two-year deal with the Swedish general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, Patrik Allvin. The new deal would pay Johansson $883,000 at the NHL level, just $70,000 if he’s riding around the American Hockey League. For now, that concept is a moot point. He’ll be getting paid while training and playing in Sweden on loan.

“Filip plays a solid defensive game and has shown consistent improvement over the past three seasons.” Allvin told us after the player was signed. “He will continue to develop his game in Sweden with Frölunda next season, but we look forward to welcoming him to Vancouver for Development Camp at UBC next month.”

The player spent his entire time in junior hockey in the GM’s hometown of Leksand.

Johansson has some pedigree. The native of Vasteras was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 1st round, 24th overall in 2018. While with Frölunda of Sweden’s top SHL last season he gained some valuable experience with that club in the mutually exclusive Champions League, where the blueliner finished with three goals and an assist in 12 games. The team lost out in the semi-finals.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder has sound hockey sense and solid two-way game. At the moment he projects out as a potential third-pair NHL option should his development path continue on its current trajectory. A reliable and affordable mid-20-something option in that slot would be highly desirable. He’s an effective puck mover.

Future

Johansson starts the season in Sweden’s top professional league and we go from there. He turns 23 in March.

If he desired, Allvin could actually visit Johansson this week in training as Frölunda’s preseason camp just opened.