Johan Franzen (concussion) is unlikely to return on Thursday. Franzen has been sidelined for about a month. He was cleared to start practicing last week though, so he has been moving in the right direction.

Johan Franzen (concussion) has been cleared to resume practices. He wasn't able to skate on Tuesday because his flight to Phoenix was late. Franzen will probably miss at least another week or so in order to get back up to game speed, but he appears to be progressing from his concussion.

Johan Franzen (concussion) made the trip with the Red Wings to Dallas but he's iffy to play in the game tonight. Franzen has missed six consecutive games.

Johan Franzen (concussion) doesn't think he'll be ready for the Winter Classic on Wednesday. He skated again on Monday and is feeling better, but he's still not symptom-free with regard to his concussion. Franzen will miss his sixth straight game on Monday night.

Johan Franzen (concussion) skated on his own after Friday's practice. "It's not quite there yet," Franzen said. "I still get dizzy and headaches. It's motion triggered. I can get through workouts fine, but if I try and play keep away I can't do that. If there's too much going on I get dizzy, my vision gets blurry and stuff like that." He has missed four contests because of a concussion, but he appears to be making some progress.

Johan Franzen (concussion) hasn't been on the ice since he was hurt on Sunday. It shouldn't come as a surprise, but he's not expected to return until after the NHL breaks for Christmas. Franzen, who has 22 points in 30 games this season, will be sorely missed by the Red Wings.

Johan Franzen (upper body) is undergoing concussion protocol after taking a high hit against Tampa Bay on Sunday. He'll need to be free of symptoms relating to a concussion before he is considered to be close to returning to the lineup. There's no timetable set for his return.

Johan Franzen suffered an upper-body injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. He won't return. The Detroit Red Wings have already been hit hard by injuries, including Justin Abdelkader getting hurt on Saturday. Franzen has 22 points in 29 games this season. One cannot help but wonder if GM Ken Holland might be forced to make a move soon.

Johan Franzen is slated to center Detroit's second line Thursday night. He has played in the middle this season and played well in that role while the Red Wings were playing without Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. "I like playing center, it's not a big change for me," Franzen said. "It feels natural." After a slow start, Franzen has amassed 17 points in his last 14 games. He also picked up at least one point in seven of his past eight outings.

Johan Franzen has picked up four goals and six assists in his last nine games. The Wings will get Pavel Datsyuk back on Tuesday night and coach Mike Babcock doesn't want to see a change in Frazen's game. "For Franzen, he was a star when Pav was out," Babcock said. "Leadership-wise, determination-wise, how he played -- now that's the benchmark. You don't go back, you continue to what you've been and be proud of the way he played. We need him to keep playing like that."