Red Wings forward Franzen cleared to play: report

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen has been cleared to participate in training camp and is expected to be ready for the season opener Oct. 9 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, general manager Ken Holland said Saturday.

"He trained hard, he pushed himself hard. He's been cleared," Holland told MLive.com.

Franzen, 35, was limited to 33 games last season because of post-concussion syndrome and other injuries but has been working out with teammates during informal skates at Joe Louis Arena.

"He's a big body that can score goals," Holland said. "Our hope is it will enable us to roll four lines and get offense up and down the lineup. He's going to be rusty, it's an important training camp for him. By the time we get going, it's going to be [nine] months between games. He has to get his timing and his comfort level back."

Franzen told the Detroit Free Press this week that he's spoken with athletes who have been in similar situations.

"You run into people once in a while," Franzen said, "and it's good to talk to those guys because they know what it feels like, and that helps a lot. But I feel good right now and I'm looking forward to a good season."

Franzen last played a full season in 2011-12, when he had 29 goals and 56 points in 77 games. He scored seven goals in 33 games last season, and has 187 goals and 369 points in 600 NHL games.

"I really want to play some good hockey," Franzen said. "I haven't been able to get in a good season in a few years. I feel like I want to end it on my own terms."

The Red Wings begin training camp Sept. 17 in Traverse City, Mich.