Maple Leafs Draft Pick Turning Heads at World Junior Summer Showcase
Photo credit: Steve Russell/Toronto Star
Amongst a list of players that participated at this year's World Junior Summer Showcase, Maple Leafs prospect Victor Johansson was one of the true standout players.
With the World Junior Summer Showcase winding down, the tournament did a great job at highlighting a lot of young talent that will take centre stage when they all reconvene in Minnesota for the World Junior Championships later this year.
Amongst the large group of players in attendance, the Toronto Maple Leafs had 2 standout defensemen partaking in Ben Danford for Team Canada, as well as Victor Johansson for Team Sweden. The latter impressed quite a bit and now stands a fighting chance for making the team.
The 4th round pick from the 2024 NHL Draft was very happy with his performances this week and mentioned to TSN's Mark Masters that trying to make the World Juniors squad will be a motivating factor all season.
"It can bring some pressure of course, but you gotta handle that good."
Swedish head coach Magnus Havelid also noticed Johansson's development and believes he has an amazing opportunity awaiting him this season in the SHL when he returns to Leksands IF.
"He's growing. He's stronger, being quicker. It's fantastic development. Looking forward to seeing him now in Leksands with the elite team. It's a competition, but I think he can surprise a lot of Leksands fans."
In Johansson's draft season in 2023-24, he recorded 8 points in 34 games for Leksands IF J20 in the J20 Nationell. He improved to the tune of 7 goals and 39 points in 47 games this past season and will be looking to improve even further in 2025-26.
Look for Johansson to return to Sweden with a chip on his shoulder as he eyes the prestigious opportunity to represent his nation at this year's World Junior Championship tournament.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 1 | 547 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Draft Pick Turning Heads at World Junior Summer Showcase Will Victor Johansson make Team Sweden's World Juniors roster? | ||
| Yes | 495 | 90.5 % |
| No | 52 | 9.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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