Red Wings' Franzen cleared to play after missing nearly 4 months with concussion

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen has been cleared to play, general manager Ken Holland told Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press on Saturday.

The veteran appeared in only 33 games last season after suffering the fourth head injury of his career. He last played on Jan. 6 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Earlier this month, Franzen said he was still dealing with weekly concussion symptoms, but aimed to play in the season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 9.

Holland said at the time that he expected Franzen to be cleared upon taking his physical at training camp.

Franzen has been skating and working out with the team this summer.

The 35-year-old has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Red Wings. He was a member of their 2008 Stanley Cup-winning team, and was drafted by Detroit in the third round in 2004.

Despite his accomplishments and the numerous head injuries, Franzen doesn't plan on hanging up his skates any time soon.

"I really want to play some good hockey," he said this week. "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."