Johan Franzen's Brain Is Not Healthy

[taco.vidal]

...Johan Franzen, out since January with his latest concussion, almost surely out for the season no matter how deep Detroit goes, and very questionable to ever resume his hockey career.

Only in the last few weeks has Franzen been able to put on skates….

Franzen was blindsided by Edmonton’s Rob Klinkhammer on Jan. 6. ... He stayed in the game, but the symptoms struck—hard—on the bus back to the hotel. He said he believes it was his fourth concussion, but isn’t totally sure.

For about two months, Franzen says, he could barely get out of bed. “I got up and tried to do whatever and got a migraine and had to shut right down.” Even now he says he has to go back to sleep in the afternoon or he’ll be debilitated by a headache.
The 35-year-old Franzen still has five years left on his contract, but he sounds like he wouldn’t be shocked if his career has already ended long before he was ready.

http://deadspin.com/johan-franzens-b...thy-1698244079

[Travis Munroe]

That is too bad, always loved Franzens game.
With this news, he shouldnt be allowed to ever play whether he wants to or not.
Seems like the type of guy who could get a job internally.

[Patek23]

That's too bad, always sad to see someone's career ruined. But that's why these guys make millions. It's all a risk of playing the game, hopefully he's able to heal up though.

[Flash Walken]

https://youtu.be/chtzdZnSrDI?t=290

Video of the hit.

[JiriHrdina]

How the hell was he allowed to stay in the game?

[LIP MAN]

Sucks that he got hurt so seriously. Klinkhammer hurt one of our guys a few years back if I remember correctly. He seems to be a dirty player.

[FlamesAddiction]

That really sucks. I hope that somehow technology can advance to protect better against concussions. I'm not rule changes will ever cut it.

Edit: After actually looking at the hit, it looks like it was just the hit that did and not actual head contact, so not a helmet issue. I would bet that his concussion history played a role though.

[Darkwater]

He was more susceptible to a repeat concussion than the majority of other players. This is a sad story. You really feel for the fact it can cripple people.

Hope the Mule feels better eventually and finds a passion doing something else within that organization.

[Huntingwhale]

How the hell does he have 5 years left at the age of 35?? Oh right, he got signed to one of those stupid 11 year contracts at the age of 29!!

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by Flaming Homer

That's too bad, always sad to see someone's career ruined. But that's why these guys make millions. It's all a risk of playing the game, hopefully he's able to heal up though.

I would like to think these guys get paid millions because what they do draws a lot of attention and helps sell advertising, merchandise, licensing fees, etc. Perhaps I am mistaken, do any of them get paid anything in addition to their regular contracts when they suffer massive career ending brain injuries? Then again maybe you're right - there could be a secret concussion bonus ... This would certainly explain why these guys can't get together in their union and put an end to something that gravely impacts quality of life long term.

[Flames89]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

I would like to think these guys get paid millions because what they do draws a lot of attention and helps sell advertising, merchandise, licensing fees, etc. Perhaps I am mistaken, do any of them get paid anything in addition to their regular contracts when they suffer massive career ending brain injuries?

They get paid for the business and the risks associated.

Should more be done to improve the risk of concussions, sure, but not by taking all risks out of sports. The NHL was very bad about ignoring the issue in the past, now there are far more harsh penalties for head contact. Progress is progress, but sometimes with unforeseen consequences - like the increased speed of the game without hooking and holding can make falling and hits more dangerous.

[PeteMoss]

Judging from the hit... seems like he shouldn't have been playing in the first place if a hit like that can do that much damage to him. That will probably be a future step in dealing with these things - knowing when a guy is too much at risk for future concussions.

It was a dirty play... but not a hard hit at all. Probably a 2 minute penalty if he hadn't been hurt.

[burn_this_city]

Vandermeer knocking him out with a gloved punch was probably when it started.

[Poe969]

I agree with PeteMoss, that was more of an "uncool" play but not even that dirty compared to some of the plays that happen and don't get a call at all. If something as simple as running into a player is going to knock you out of the game, why are you playing?

[Erick Estrada]

That's tough. Just goes to show how important it is that the league continues to crack down on head shots as you hate to see players suffer for the rest of their lives. How is Marc Savard doing these days? You kind of never hear about him but I assume he's going to have lingering issues for the rest of his life.

[PeteMoss]

Last I heard he took a scouting job for an OHL team.