The Detroit Red Wings are not yet saying that forward Johan Franzen has a concussion, although they did report the forward was feeling better today.
The Wings are waiting for concussion test results after Franzen was hit with an elbow by Dallas Stars defenseman Mark Fistric on Friday. Franzen left the game and did not return, and said himself he had a concussion.
Franzen’s injury leaves the Wings in a bit of a bind as they can’t recall anyone from Grand Rapids due to salary cap constraints. Jonathan Ericsson (back) and Justin Abdelkader (ribs) are both out of the lineup for tonight, but the Wings can’t replace them unless they put them both on long-term injured reserve, which would require them to sit out a minimum of ten games.
If Franzen can’t go tonight against Phoenix, Detroit will use 11 forwards and six defensemen.