Victor Johansson, a 20-year-old Toronto-drafted defenseman from Stockholm, has left Leksands IF for rival Brynäs after expressing a lack of trust in the club's leadership. Leksand head coach Johan Hedberg addressed Johansson's comments, confirming his involvement in a key meeting and highlighting factors affecting the player's ice time. The move comes after Leksand's SHL playoff exit.
Victor Johansson, who played 15 SHL games for Leksands IF including time on loan to Oskarshamn, officially joined Brynäs last week following the team's SHL elimination. The 20-year-old back, drafted by Toronto, cited a diminished trust in the leadership after a meeting as a key reason for his departure. 'When you don't have great trust in those who are supposed to lead you, and after a meeting you feel even less trust... then you feel this will be tough,' Johansson told GD. Several players are leaving Leksand post-playoffs. Johan Hedberg, Leksand's head coach, responded in an interview with Falu-Kuriren, confirming he participated in the meeting Johansson referenced. 'It's me he's referring to since I was in that conversation,' Hedberg said. He noted the club saw significant potential in Johansson and wished to continue the partnership but acknowledged communication challenges, especially with younger players. The discussion covered Johansson's ice time, influenced by his loan spell, participation in the World Juniors, and an injury. 'When he was out, other players seized their chance,' Hedberg explained. He emphasized that no harsh words were used, though they were apparently received differently.