Detroit forward Johan Franzen will play for the first time in seven months tonight when the Wings host the Penguins in exhibition action at the Joe.
Franzen, plagued by post-concussion symptoms since taking this hit from Edmonton’s Rob Klinkhammer in January, was medically cleared to return prior to training camp and has been practicing regularly over the last few weeks.
But he knows he’s pretty susceptible to another concussion.
“If I would get a really bad hit again, and I would feel the same way again, that’s probably it,” he said earlier this week, per WXYZ Detroit.
Franzen is a Red Wing to watch this season.
His lengthy deal -- an 11-year, $43.5 million contract with five years left on it -- has always been a bone of contention with Detroit fans, partially due to the fact the 35-year-old has had troubles staying healthy.
Franzen has missed 77 games over the last two seasons, and scored a career-low seven goals in ’14-15.