The ascent of Johan Franzen

In the absolute world of wins and losses, goals and assists, draft selections, and set rosters, Johan Franzen has set himself apart during the Detroit Red Wings' run in the 2009 NHL Playoffs.  The ascent of Franzen with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings may lack the high profile of a Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos, or Drew Doughty-type drafting.  What must be kept in mind is the unique path that 'Mula' (Swedish for mule) traversed to become a challenging focal point for any opposition.

At first, it may seem that Franzen's journey began with his drafting by Detroit, as the 97th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.  Yet the 6'3", 220 pound left-winger was a thoughtful pick by the Red Wings; Detroit used their 3rd-round selection to pick the unknown 24 year-old Franzen, plucking him from the Linkoping roster in the Swedish Elite League.  The Red Wing presence in Europe was displayed once again in that selection, with Franzen's potential for dominance recognized ahead of his first noticable point totals in the Eliteserien (SEL).  "Hakan (Andersson) deserves most of the credit without a doubt," Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland said. "But other people have chipped in with a team effort to scout Sweden."  The Vetlanda, Sweden-born Franzen finsihed fourth in team scoring and won the league's annual award for 'Best Plus/Minus' with a +24 rating.

Confirmation came quietly for the Wings in the 2004-05 season, as Franzen's totals slipped in the next campaign.  The reviled NHL lockout season became a hunting blind of sorts for the organization, as Detroit focused in on their scouting and developmental programs.  One such player was Franzen, who skated with Henrik Tallinder, Brendan Morrison, Mike Knuble, Fredrik Norrena, and Kristian Huselius in that NHL-absent year.  The Mule was overshadowed, tallying just 14 points in 43 games and was not one of Linkoping's top ten scorers.  With this taste of NHL competition and his draft year behind him, Franzen packed his bags for North America.
After an unheralded rookie season (12 goals, 16 total points) on a team loaded with depth, Franzen earned his nickname from the iconic Steve Yzerman and proved that his desire to win would surface given the opportunity, and when presented with a purpose.  "He reminds me of (Ducks' star) Ryan Getzlaf -- they have a skill set, but their size allows them to go into traffic without being cautious," Head Coach Mike Babcock said. "The Mule's game is suited for any time of year, but his activation level isn't quite the same." 

Franzen has gone on an unprecendented streak the last two years, with an astounding 23 goals (37 points) in his last 31 playoffs games, including 10 goals so far this post-season.  A legendary stretch-run to close out the 2007-08 regular season had fans witness Franzen score nearly a goal-per-game, as Detroit marched towards the ultimate goal.  The 29 year-old Franzen again turned it up with 34 regular season goals this season, before embarking on another powerful playoff push.  This included 22 points in his final 25 games to close out the season, after having been sidelined with a hand injury for five contests, and returning on 18 February 2009 with two goals and three points in a game against division foe, Nashville. 

Recently signing a new contract for 11 years, Franzen has the stability most players dream of.  The past three NHL seasons have seen his progression from relative unknown European forward to clutch playoff performer.  The production he provides for his salary and cap cost, undoubtedly make Franzen one of the most valuable players out there.  More importantly, the net presence and leadership the big Swede provides has Detroit in fine position to repeat as the Stanley Cup Champion.
 
25 May 2009 / Robin Keith Thompson