The Detroit Red Wings got some good news Saturday. Forward Johan Franzen, who missed the remainder of the season after suffering a concussion in a Jan. 6 game, has been medically cleared to resume playing in the NHL.
Franzen met with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher (director of the University of Michigan Neurosport Program) Thursday in Ann Arbor, Mich. and was given clearance to resume playing. Barring any setbacks, the Wings anticipate that Franzen will be ready to go for the team’s season opener, Oct. 9 at Joe Louis Arena against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“The Mule is a big body that can score goals,… Detroit general manager Ken Holland said of Franzen. “Our hope is it will enable us to roll four lines and get offense up and down the lineup.
“He’s another big body that’s got skill and gives us more depth up front. His history is when he’s healthy he can score in the mid-20s.…
Expecting the Franzen of old right off the bat would be foolhardy, though.
“He’s going to be rusty; it’s an important training camp for him,… Holland acknowledged. “He hasn’t played since January. By the time we get going it’s going to be eight months between games.
“He has to get his timing and his comfort level.…
Nonetheless, Holland was impressed by the determination and perseverance Franzen displayed while battling through what at first was debilitating post-concussion symptoms.
“He went home for the summer, he trained hard, he pushed himself hard,… Holland said.
Franzen has been skating with the Wings during informal workouts at the JLA and it’s been apparent from his upbeat mood that he was feeling much better.
“It’s a little weird,… Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard admitted. “We’re used to having the grumpy Mule around, but it’s nice to have Mule back in the dressing room, and to see the smile on his face and how much fun he’s having on the ice in the skates with us.
“It’s great to see because that had to be tough last year with the concussion and what he went through mentally.…
Franzen has also become a presence on social media. During the summer, he posted a photo on Instagram of a set of bed sheets he had custom made for teammate Gustav Nyquist featuring likenesses of former Wings coach Mike Babcock.
More recently, earlier this week Franzen posted a photo of himself with tennis star Roger Federer at the U.S. Open in New York.
“Yeah, he’s broke out of his shell finally,… Howard joked.
Datsyuk Update Detroit center Pavel Datsyuk (ankle surgery) will attend training camp in Traverse City, Mich. but won’t be partaking in any on-ice activities.
When the Wings get back to Detroit from Traverse City, Datsyuk will travel to Charlotte to see Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed the surgery and get an update on his progress.
“We’re waiting for more news on Pavel,… Holland said. “He’ll see the doctor in North Carolina and get further direction at that time.…
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