Posted by Matt Schwartz

11:33PM - Sunday, October 07, 2007

The Red Wings will be without versatile forward Johan Franzen for the next 3-4 weeks due to a Grade 2 Strain to his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Franzen suffered the injury in the second period of Saturday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Pavel Datsyuk and Chicago forward Tuomo Ruutu got tangled at center ice and Franzen's right leg was rolled on by Ruutu as a result.

Red Wings GM Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press on Sunday that either Matt Ellis or Aaron Downey (who would have to be recalled after being waived last week) will take Franzen's roster spot.

In two games Franzen has no points and sven shots on goal.