Jeremy Laura: Detroit signs 2022 draft pick Anton Johansson, will Ekblad hit free agency?

We will see if he makes GR first before I get too excited. He starts on an amateur try out (ATO) next September.

We will see if he makes GR first before I get too excited. He starts on an amateur try out (ATO) next September.
- HenryHockey

The write up I cited said his ELC kicks in next year but that he will get some ice in GR to end the season on an AHL tryout. Not sure if they got it wrong or I misread. The Athletic has him as a “low ceiling” puck moving dman with good size but needs more weight. Was interesting to see for sure.

We will see if he makes GR first before I get too excited. He starts on an amateur try out (ATO) next September.
- HenryHockey

He starts his amateur tryout this season, as soon as he arrives in Grand Rapids. His Entry Level Contract begins at the start of next the 2025-2026 season.

He starts his amateur tryout this season, as soon as he arrives in Grand Rapids. His Entry Level Contract begins at the start of next the 2025-2026 season.
- danimal6777

That’s right. There is one stipulation on next year. If he doesn’t make the NHL club he still has one more year on his current deal in Sweden and they get first refusal. This is the first I’d heard of that, not sure if they can just buy him out and send him to the AHL.

That’s right. There is one stipulation on next year. If he doesn’t make the NHL club he still has one more year on his current deal in Sweden and they get first refusal. This is the first I’d heard of that, not sure if they can just buy him out and send him to the AHL.
- Jeremy Laura

Ok,the early report on his signing said the ATO started NEXT season. And no mention of him coming over this year. Yes, I hope to see him soon!
He is a bit light for that tall of a frame, but I am sure he will put on the weight required, not too many have the problem DeKeyser had with putting on weight.