Red Wings take two European defensemen and a Chicago Steel forward in second round
By @MichaelCaples –
Steve Yzerman had three draft picks to work with during the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, and he used two choices on the blue line.
Detroit picked two European defensemen, with a New York native mixed in between, in the first round of Day 2 of the NHL Draft.
Welcome to Detroit, Antti Tuomisto (Finland), Robert Mastrosimone (New York) and Albert Johansson (Sweden).
Detroit started their busy second round with a similar selection from the first round – a 6-foot-4 European defenseman.
The Wings claimed Antti Tuomisto, a native of Pori, Finland, at No. 35 overall. At 6-foot-4 and 194 pounds, he is expected to bring a blend of skill and strength to the Detroit depth chart, after being ranked the No. 15 European skater by NHL Central Scouting.
On the NHL Network broadcast of the draft, it was mentioned that he is exploring NCAA options for the upcoming season.
Nineteen picks later, the Wings stayed a little closer to home, as they chose a USHL goal-scorer. Detroit picked Robert Mastrosimone at No. 54 overall, after he finished fourth in goals in America’s top junior league last season. With the Chicago Steel, Mastrosimone registered 30 goals and 60 total points.
He is committed to Boston University.
.@rmastro9424 comments on his time with the @USHL’s @ChicagoSteel after he was drafted by the @DetroitRedWings in Round 2. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/ee5GqR1LeR
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) June 22, 2019
Just six picks later, the Wings went back to their European scouting list, as they selected Albert Johansson. The native of Karlstad, Sweden is a 6-foot-0, 165-pound blueliner who is said to be a smooth skater and sound puck-mover. He played for Farjestad Jr. in Sweden, putting up 29 points in 40 games.
“Very good with the puck – he’ll hold onto it until a play is there,” said NHL Central Scouting’s Goran Stubb.