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Franzen (concussion) optimistic about returning Wednesday

Detroit Red Wings v New York Islanders

skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on November 29, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. The Red Wings defeated the Islanders 5-0.

Bruce Bennett

Johan Franzen couldn’t play for Sweden in the 2014 Winter Games because of a concussion that’s plagued him since mid-December, but he was able to join the rest of the Red Wings’ non-Olympians last week.

He had already been feeling good for weeks before Detroit resumed its practices, but cautioned on Dec. 19 that his symptoms tend to manifest when he subjects himself to game-like situations. However, after as we draw closer to the Red Wings’ first game back on Wednesday, it looks increasingly likely that Franzen will be in the lineup.

“It’s been pretty good,” Franzen told the Detroit News. “I am optimistic (about returning Wednesday).”

Detroit could certainly use all the help they can get after Henrik Zetterberg underwent back surgery.

They might also get back defenseman Jakub Kindl and forward Stephen Weiss in the near future.

Follow @RyanDadoun