Johan Franzen

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I was wondering if any of you guys could offer your opinions on how Franzen has looked this preseason. I thought from what he displayed in the playoffs last year, he had a good shot to be one of those borderline top 6ers if he held that up through this season, but I was skeptical about the idea that he could play at a high level for too long. However, it seems like hes found himself a home with Datsyuk and Holmstrom on the top line so far this preseason. Ive only seen some highlights of preseason games so far, but one thing that his really impressed me is his shot. Hes got a bullet and can pick his spots well. I know the preseason is a far cry for the regular season, but the fact that he supposedly hasnt looked at all out of place playing with Datsyuk makes me wonder if this guy has what it takes to be a 20-25 goal scorer and possibly a down low sniper-type on the PP. He definitely looked to have improved his offense instincts between his rookie and sophomore year..so do you think he can continue to build on that or is this a fluke?

Opinions please.

[ben_usmc 253]

I'm just glad I picked him up in fantasy

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

This is not a fluke. All the guy needs to be a sucessful Top 6er, would be to use his body more. Thats it.

I feel he's a 25-30 goal scorer in this league, with 50-60 points. I've called in a couple threads a breakout this year, and I fully believe it, with his 6'3 frame, Datsyuk feeding him the puck, and Homer planted in front, he's gonna do great.

[ben_usmc 253]

I honestly think he'll get more goals/points then that. Isn't Sammy a 20 goal scorer, if so Franzen for sure will be much better

Edited September 26, 2007 by ben_usmc

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Sammy scored 12 goals last season. So yeah, Franzen should get at least 30.

[Heaton 1]

Sammy scored 12 goals last season. So yeah, Franzen should get at least 30.

Samuelsson also played less than 60 games.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Thats good, he still only scored 12 goals.

Heaton, you know by now I hate Samuleson, I realize he did score 20 goals, 2 years ago. And it'll probably happen again this year since he's playing with Z, but I feel Franzen will score more goals.

[SweWings 45]

I think we're safer than people think in terms of offense...still risky though and we'll see how the season begins...*fingers crossed*

Franzen is a under the radar type player who could have a great season coming up as long as he tries to keep up with Dats and skate into those spots where the pass could come - the magic will be up to Pavel...

[Barrie 900]

I'm expecting Franzen, Filppula, and Hudler, with increased ice time, all to score 20-25 goals this year.

I agree with SweWings, despite losing Schneider, Calder, Bertuzzi, and Lang, I think our offence is fine.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

The Mule is going to have a huge season. He's got all the tools to be a star.

[swedishconnection 36]

I'm really glad people are giving him his due. Do you think that even a year ago people would be mentioning Franz and top 6 in the same breath? I highly doubt it. I'm glad to have him on our team! GO WINGS!

[lfd250 1]

I think he's lazy and he sucks... oops wrong posting and force of habit.

Just kidding. I think he's in that Cleary form... like everyone has said he's due for a breakout and playing with Dats he should put up some numbers. Not to mention probably some PP and if he can put his butt in front of the net he should get those garbage goals.

Edited September 26, 2007 by lfd250

[DRAPES RULES 7]

He has looked like a monster so far at camp and in preseason.

He is really starting to use his frame to crash the net.

GO MULE !!

[norrisnick 1]

I'm expecting Franzen, Filppula, and Hudler, with increased ice time, all to score 20-25 goals this year.

I agree with SweWings, despite losing Schneider, Calder, Bertuzzi, and Lang, I think our offence is fine.

Filppula won't score 20-25 goals this year. I see that as his career peak. He's never been much of a goal scorer and just doesn't have the shot/hands for it. I see him having offensive defenseman type numbers 10-20 goals and 40-50 assists.

[hockey&beer 16]

A bit off topic but...

WE DIDN'T "LOSE" CALDER and BERTUZZI!!! A trade line acquisition does NOT make a team. Kyle showed a litlle something the last few games of the season, then disappeared. And frankly, Bert was NEVER there. As far as Lang goes I fall in the category with the "majority", he's lazy and sucks (and a complete waste of space on the PP by the way).

The Wings offense will be near the top of the league this season. Not only led by Dats, Z and Homer but Huds, Franzen, Sammy and Flip.

Franzen is a beast and will prove his worth on the top line VERY shortly.

(I apologize for the "yelling", but I really can't see all the whining about who we lost (nobody) and who may pick up the slack when it seems clear that the Wings drafted some gifted players who are finally ready to step up)

[Dabura 12,232]

I think our offence is fine.

We still need a goal-scorer. A big, hard-hitting body would also be nice.

[Guest Crymson]

I was wondering if any of you guys could offer your opinions on how Franzen has looked this preseason. I thought from what he displayed in the playoffs last year, he had a good shot to be one of those borderline top 6ers if he held that up through this season, but I was skeptical about the idea that he could play at a high level for too long. However, it seems like hes found himself a home with Datsyuk and Holmstrom on the top line so far this preseason. Ive only seen some highlights of preseason games so far, but one thing that his really impressed me is his shot. Hes got a bullet and can pick his spots well. I know the preseason is a far cry for the regular season, but the fact that he supposedly hasnt looked at all out of place playing with Datsyuk makes me wonder if this guy has what it takes to be a 20-25 goal scorer and possibly a down low sniper-type on the PP. He definitely looked to have improved his offense instincts between his rookie and sophomore year..so do you think he can continue to build on that or is this a fluke?

Opinions please.

He's gritty, he can stick-handle, he's a hard checker, he's got a wicked snap-shot, and he's very difficult to knock off his feet or off the puck. I like the guy quite a bit.

We still need a goal-scorer. A big, hard-hitting body would also be nice.

Franzen could be both.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

This is not a fluke. All the guy needs to be a sucessful Top 6er, would be to use his body more. Thats it.

I feel he's a 25-30 goal scorer in this league, with 50-60 points. I've called in a couple threads a breakout this year, and I fully believe it, with his 6'3 frame, Datsyuk feeding him the puck, and Homer planted in front, he's gonna do great.

That's very optimistic. That'd put him in the top 4 on this team in points.

[Earthhuman 8]

Franzen could be both.

[Gizmo 21]

I think it's safe to say that Franzen's stock will be going up this season from what I've seen.

[Earthhuman 8]

That's very optimistic. That'd put him in the top 4 on this team in points.

So?

Top line. He should be.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Filppula won't score 20-25 goals this year. I see that as his career peak. He's never been much of a goal scorer and just doesn't have the shot/hands for it. I see him having offensive defenseman type numbers 10-20 goals and 40-50 assists.

Thank you.

Honestly people. Filppula is not a man with the finisher's touch. He's a damn good offensive defensive centre, though. Good player doesn't necessarily mean 30 goals in your sophomore season.

So?

Top line. He should be.

Really? You honestly see Franzen netting Holmstrom's peak season totals in his first year off the fourth/third line?

I see him at 12-17 goals with 35-40 points. Respectable but not top four. I imagine he'll be top 6 in points for forwards.

[Izzy24 44]

This is not a fluke. All the guy needs to be a sucessful Top 6er, would be to use his body more. Thats it.

I feel he's a 25-30 goal scorer in this league, with 50-60 points. I've called in a couple threads a breakout this year, and I fully believe it, with his 6'3 frame, Datsyuk feeding him the puck, and Homer planted in front, he's gonna do great.

I agree wholeheartedly.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Franzen, IMO should be ahead of Sammy on the depth chart. I know, I know, Sammy is a winger, Franzen is a center. But I think the Wings have enough centers, and should move Franzen to wing. He could be a nice fit on the second line.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Good to see so many optimistic responses. I really feel like this guy will reach the 20 goal marker this season, mainly because I think he has the confidence now. That, in combination with the fact that hes one of those hard working guys who brings a ton of energy and that hell be given the chance to prove he deserves top 6 minutes is great news for this club. If he can develop into a Mike Fisher type player, I would be absolutely stoked (although thats asking a lot).