Johnson’s Physical Reveals Abnormal EKG

Greg Johnson’s return to the Detroit Red Wings will have to wait.

The former Nashville Predators captain who previously played with Detroit from 1993 to 1997 and rejoined the Red Wings as a free agent this summer failed his physical on Thursday. He has not scrimmaged with the team in the first two days of training camp.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland revealed on Saturday that the failure was caused by an abnormal EKG. Johnson, who was not available for comment, was reportedly surprised by the findings.

“I would think he’s surprised,” Holland said. “I go back again to the fact he’s 35 years of age and has been in the league for 12 or 13 years. I’d guess he’d be surprised by an abnormal EKG.”

Johnson is expected to see a specialist by Wednesday.

The Red Wings are being cautious with Johnson after defenseman Jiri Fischer went into cardiac arrest during a game against Nashville last season. Fischer hasn’t played hockey since and, although he remains hopeful, isn’t expected to.

Earlier this week, a heart abnormality was discovered during Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Konowalchuk’s physical. He, too, is expected to miss time in training camp to undergo more tests.