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Detroit Red Wings: Get behind the mule Johan Franzen

By Tyler Samson

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Johan Franzen #93 of the Detroit Red Wings talks to the referee on a play stoppage during a NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche on December 21, 2014 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Avalanche defeated the Wings 2-1 in a shootout (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Johan Franzen #93 of the Detroit Red Wings talks to the referee on a play stoppage during a NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche on December 21, 2014 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Avalanche defeated the Wings 2-1 in a shootout (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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At one time Johan Franzen seemed to be on the rise to NHL stardom, now he is out of the game and seeking medical help.

Detroit Red Wings fans remember Johan Franzen as the red-haired, Swedish forward who was a workhorse for the organization for many seasons. During his time with the Red Wings, he won a Stanley Cup in 2008, holds eight team records and signed one of the biggest contracts in team history (an 11-year deal).

Currently, Franzen is in Denver, Colorado receiving intensive medical treatment. At one time, he seemed to be the light that was going to guide the Red Wings to success. Drafted 97th overall in the 2004 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Franzen joined the Red Wings making an impact.

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In the 2005-06 season, he joined the team, playing 80 games recording 12 goals and four assists. Though these numbers may not seem like much, Franzen was regarded by many as one of the hardest workers on the team.

In fact, team captain Steve Yzerman said, in regards to Johan Franzen, “He’s big and strong and reminds me of a mule…he carries the load.”  His hard work was recognized by the Detroit Sports Broadcaster’s Association who named him “Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year”.

The 2006-07 season was one of improvement for Franzen who got more situated to the NHL speed and level. In 69 games for the Wings, he had 10 goals and 20 assists. However, his play during the playoffs was what highlighted his season.

In the playoffs, Franzen was inseparable from standing in front of opponent nets, as shown through rattling Calgary Flames goalie Jamie McLennan.  His presence in front of McLennan proved to be a major factor in the series.

McLennan took a slashing penalty one game and a game suspension another game for slashing Franzen in the stomach.  Johan got the last laugh when he registered the game 6 double-overtime winning goal which led the Wings to advance over the Flames.

In the 2007-08 season, Franzen hit his peak, winning the Stanley Cup and putting up franchise-best numbers. In 72 regular season games, Franzen had 27 goals and 11 assists, which was Franzen’s career-best season up to that point.

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The records Johan grasped that season included the NHL record for most goals in a four-game playoff series (nine), Red Wings record for most game winning goals in one month (six), Red Wings record for most goals in a single playoff series (nine), Red Wings record for consecutive playoff games with points (12, tied with Gordie Howe), Red Wings record for most consecutive playoff games with a goal (five, tied with Howe and Ted Lindsay), Red Wings record for most goals in a single playoff year (13, tied with Henrik Zetterberg), and Red Wings record for most game-winning playoff goals in one year (five).

With the astonishing success Franzen found in both the regular season and playoffs, it was obvious he was the driving force behind the success. It was because of his play all season that helped the Red Wings grab their 11th Stanley Cup.

The 2008-09 season was Franzen’s best individual season ever. In just 71 games, he tallied 34 goals and 25 assists as well as recorded 44 penalty minutes. The Red Wings came short of winning the Stanley Cup. However, Franzen was about to win big in the offseason by signing one of the largest contracts in team history.  On April 11th, Franzen signed essentially an 11-year deal for $43.5 million with the Detroit Red Wings. This contract was the beginning of the end for him.

The three seasons that followed the contract extension for Franzen were filled with high point seasons and shortcomings as a team in the playoffs. It was the 2012-13 season that served to be the beginning of the end of Franzen’s playing career and health.

The mule’s hard-nosed playing style started to take a toll on him as he spent seasons missing games due to a torn ACL and numerous concussions. Franzen made a final attempt to play the game he loved at the start of the 2015-16 season.

His season was short lived when in his second game of the season he was clobbered by Edmonton Oiler’s defenseman, Rob Klinkhammer. The hit jarred Franzen’s head leaving him with a severe concussion. After numerous evaluations, doctors found Johan unfit to continue to play hockey, therefore forcing him to the Red Wings’ long-term injured reserve list.

With the concussions forcing Franzen to retire from playing, many people were disappointed that he was done playing and were even more frustrated that the Wings still have to deal with his contract until the 2019-20 season. However, the struggle the Wings are facing with his contract and its relation to the salary cap is nowhere close to the battle he is dealing with in regards to his mental health.

On May 27, 2018, Johan Franzen’s wife, Cecilia, posted on her blog that Johan is in a terrible place on many levels of his health and well-being.

"I don’t know where to start, but this week has been really hard and extremely emotional. Monday morning the kids, Lisa and I flew out to Denver, Colorado to visit Johan. He’s been going thru an intensive treatment program at Marcus Brain Health Institute, and this last week was a family week where I joined in for a lot of sessions. He’s still dealing with post concussion syndrome, and the last months have been really bad. Something needed to happen and I’m so thankful we found this new amazing place. It opened up in March and they treat vetarans and athletes with brain traumas. Johan was actually their very first athlete. Living with a husband with a brain injury is not easy, it’s like a rollercoaster. But I am doing my best to get us to a better place, not only for us and but also for our amazing boys that deserve the best!!"

Franzen has brought many great memories to Wings fans throughout the years and the fans surely would love to have many more great memories of him in the future off the ice. In order to get to this point, Johan must get better and that is what he is trying to do.

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Without a doubt, hearing the impact of mental health on Franzen should send a signal to the NHL and hockey players everywhere. As for now, players must be aware of the effects playing the game could have on them, especially their health. And in regards to Johan Franzen, the whole hockey community must show its support to one of its great ambassadors and get behind the mule with encouragement.

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