Maatta Trade Conveys Confidence in Holl & Johansson Last night, in trading Olli Maatta to Utah [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/breaking-red-wings-trade-defenseman-to-utah-for-third-round-pick], the Detroit Red Wings made clear their confidence in defensemen Albert Johansson and Justin Holl. Johansson and Holl have been semi-regular healthy scratches in the season's early going, but coach Derek Lalonde continued to praise both players. In moving on from Maatta, the Red Wings made clear their faith in Johansson and Holl was more than lip service, as both now have simpler paths to a regular role. Oct 27, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson (20) handles the puck during the third period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Little Caesars Arena [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwMzUyNTEwMDY0NDA0MDQ2/usatsi_24604625-1.jpg] Oct 27, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson (20) handles the puck during the third period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Little Caesars Arena "Steady is a good word for it," Lalonde replied, when asked what Johansson has added to Detroit's blue line. "Hasn't really gotten us in any trouble in his games, and again, a tough ask [playing on] his off hand...so I think he does bring a calming presence to us and a lot of positives." Johansson is listed at 168 pounds, which is quite slender by the standard of NHL defensemen, but Lalonde has been pleased with the way the 23-year-old has handled his size disparity. "I had a concern playing against size, but it hasn't been an issue," the coach said this morning. "He's got high compete. Obviously a smaller D, you defend the position, you defend through hands, and he's done that...He's had a couple of these match-ups down low, where you're a little concerned because you think he's in trouble...and he fights his way through it, so he's adjusting pretty well to the league." Meanwhile, Lalonde also praised Holl for the way he's handled the mental strain of being in and out of the lineup, as well as his defensive presence when he is on the ice. "Certainly a credit to him, his professionalism," Lalonde said, when asked about Holl's turbulent start to the year off the ice and reliable presence on it. "We were completely healthy last year [on defense], and we had [Shayne Gostisbehere] on his off-hand, running the power play at a pretty close to all-star caliber. I can say I trusted him all year, but it's hard to say that when he's the guy out a lot. I felt the same this year, and now it's kinda come to fruition, so I just think it helps our lefty-righty. Obviously, he defends well. I'd use the word sticky for him. He gives us some size, good box outs, he stays in defensive battles, so a lot of positives." In the featured video above, I discuss the implications of the Maatta trade, and the sense of faith in Holl and Johansson it conveys. ALSO FROM THN DETROIT Breaking: Red Wings Trade Defenseman to Utah for Third Round Pick [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/breaking-red-wings-trade-defenseman-to-utah-for-third-round-pick] As PWHL Plans Expansion, Detroit a Natural Candidate [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/as-pwhl-plans-expansion-detroit-a-natural-candidate] Red Wings Need More from Special Teams to Find Winning Formula [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/red-wings-need-more-from-special-teams-to-find-winning-formula] Red Wings 2, Oilers 3 (OT) Game Notes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/red-wings-2-oilers-3-ot-game-notes] 3-2 OT Loss to Edmonton Shows the Red Wings Can't Keep Up Their Defensive High-Wire Act [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/3-2-ot-loss-to-edmonton-shows-the-red-wings-cant-keep-up-their-defensive-high-wire-act]
