Opportunity knocks for Red Wings’ Albert Johansson

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde moved his hand upward and diagonally to describe Albert Johansson's progression.

The rookie defenseman has played only three games, but it was enough for the club to conclude it was safe to trade Olli Maatta – at least that factored into the decision. Carrying eight defensemen wasn't sustainable for a team that's up against the salary cap.

Maatta was moved Tuesday night to the Utah Hockey Club for a third-round pick in 2025 (originally belonging to the New York Rangers). That means Johansson, 23, should get more opportunities to play.

He'll be in the lineup tonight when the Red Wings (4-4-1) host the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets (8-0-1; 7:30, FanDuel Sports Network).

"You'd hope some confidence for him," Lalonde said.

"Steady is a good word for it. Hasn't really got us in any trouble in his games. Tough ask on his off-hand (right side). He does bring a calming presence to us and a lot of positives."

Johansson said the NHL has been what he expected.

"It's a fast league and guys are strong," he said. "I'm trying to work hard every day to get better and I want to play the games and try to make the best out of them."

He is sticking to the basics.

"Keep it simple and move pucks, move my feet and play good defensively," Johansson said.

Johansson is undersized at 6-foot and 168 pounds, presenting challenges defending against almost all bigger opponents.

"As you're watching him grow in (Grand Rapids) and can see him NHL-ready, I had a concern playing against size, but it hasn't been an issue," Lalonde said. "He's got high compete. As with some other D, you defend with position, you defend with hands. He's had a couple of these matchups down low where you're a little concerned because you think he's in trouble, maybe a little disadvantage positionally because of some size, and he fights his way through it. So, he's adjusted pretty well in the league."

'Nice' flu bug

Vladimir Tarasenko is a game-time decision due to the flu.

"This flu bug is picking us off one by one," Lalonde said. "I guess it's a nice flu bug, it's not all at once."

Lalonde said they might go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen or recall a forward from the Griffins.

Tyler Motte skated again today but hasn't been cleared to return from his upper-body injury.

Alex Lyon will start in goal.

Jets flying high

Winnipeg won its first eight games before losing 6-4 at home to Toronto on Monday. The Jets are first in the league on the power play (12 for 27, 44.4 percent).

"You win eight in a row in this league, it's very impressive," Lalonde said. "You do at the front end of the season, especially in a league where it's extremely hard to win – you see half the league around .500; shows the parity of the league – and for them to reel off eight straight, really impressive team. High-end skill, they got pace, they have size, well-coached."