Update (9:32 PM): One more thought: this almost certainly means no Olympics for Franzen Think the Wings’d let him go even if he heals in time? No way. Gotta feel for him on that one. That sucks.
Also, Hockeytown Static points out that he’ll miss 55 games if he misses four months to the day. – Matt
Update (7:08 PM): On possible lines, Filppula seems like the obvious choice to move up to fill in for Johan, as he did in practice today. The downside of that is it would mean breaking up him and Leino after they’ve developed some solid chemistry.
The other possibility would be a Eurotwin reunion, which would certainly maximize offensive output for those two. Babcock likes them split, but he’ll have to consider all options.
Fil could take second line center and keep Leino on his wing, with Bertuzzi and Cleary competing for that second line spot. I’d give Bertuzzi the spot because he’d be a liability on a line with less talent around him.
Maybe:
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Leino-Filppula-Bertuzzi
Cleary-Helm-Williams
Maltby-Draper-Eaves or Draper-Abdelkader-May or Maltby-Abdelkader-May (you get the idea)
Of course, this is all speculative. It’s going to be interesting to see how things shake out. - Matt
Update (6:52 PM): George’s wrap-up on the situation is here. A few new bits of info, such as surgery scheduling, included. - Matt
Update (5:10 PM): Khan now says Abdelkader’s been recalled. A blow to the Griffins, to be sure, as he’ll likely be in Detroit for a while. Looks like an outside deal isn’t in the cards, according to Holland’s comments.
Justin’s going to have to mature very fast if he’s going to be a help rather than a penalty-taking hindrance. Should be interesting to watch.
Also, sounds like the injury happened before Johan’s goal last night. Adrenaline’s an amazing thing. Meg points out that could mean this isn’t as bad an injury as some we’ve seen, a theory borne out by the fact that it’s a projected four month recovery rather than the 6+ we sometimes see. Here’s hoping his recovery goes quickly and well. - Matt
Update (4:45 PM): USA Today’s Kevin Allen:
With Johan Franzen now lost 4 months to ACL tear, Red Wings’ concern is now making the playoffs, not winning Centreal. Depth is eroding.
I can see the Central slipping, yes, but not the playoffs. This team still has some serious talent and solid depth enough for that. Unless there are more injuries to come. - Matt
Update (4:15 PM): I brushed off the media’s cries about how much offense the Wings lost this off-season, confident that young guys could step up and that the defense could make up the difference by tightening down, but the loss of Franzen makes me nervous.
Sure, he’s just one player, but he’s one player who was one of a few being called upon to make up for three, and now the Wings will be without him for the better part of the season. That’s not a good thing, and no amount of “the defense’ll make up for it” or “Fil will stop falling over and start lighting it up” changes that. Losing the Free Agent Three this summer was bad, but Franzen’s kinda puts this over the top.
Also, this: not only do they lose the 30-40 goals they needed out of him, they lose the clutch factor he brings to the table (thanks to Meg for pointing that out via email).
A trade or signing may need to happen here. - Matt
Update (4:07 PM): Khan chimes in and notes this is the third time in three years Franzen’s hurt his knee in October and all three happened against Chicago. Awesome. Let’s break that little trend next year, okay? - Matt
Update (3:58 PM): Kukla asks:
With Franzen out at least 4 months, do the Wings think about bringing Shanahan in?
Would he come back? He and Babcock don’t have a great history. Kenny may have to make a move to bring some offense in, but Shanny may not be the guy, despite price tag. - Matt
Update (3:54 PM): Team confirms, with no additional info, except that it’s his left knee. We know it happened last night. When and how? – Matt
The news just broke on Twitter. James Mirtle and CBC’s Jeff Marek report:
Red Wings forward Johan Franzen has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and expected to be out of the lineup a minimum of four months. (@mirtle)
Johan Franzen out 4 months w/knee injury. (@JeffMarek)
“Bad news” doesn’t begin to cover it. This sucks. I’m not even sure how it happened. More as it comes.