Mike Green left the “Nation’s Capital” and signed a three year/$18 million contract to play in the “Motor City”

The Detroit Red Wings needed help on their blue line, and they may have just found that with Wednesday’s signing of defenseman Mike Green.

Per the Detroit Free Press:

“At 6-feet-1 and 207 pounds, Green, 29, adds size, and he’s got the offense the Wings have so badly needed to add to the back end since losing both Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski to retirement the past few years.”

Green’s offensive presence should help the Red Wings balance out their team. It seemed that their roster was mostly forward-happy than their back end. Outside of Niklas Kronwall, no one really had an idea who was patrolling the Red Wings defense.

Now, they do. Green represents a bonafide threat for opposing forwards and a nightmare for even the elite goalies.

Last season, Green played in 72 games, registering 45 points (10 goals, 35 assists) and carried a +5 rating. His average ice time was 19:06 minutes per game, while averaging close to three minutes on the power play on game days.

Green has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Washington Capitals. His best years as a player were from 2007-2008 to 2009-2010. In the three season window, Green registered 50+ points. From the 2008 to 2010, he registered back to back 70+ points per season. His set career highs in goals with 31 in the 2008-2009 season. The following year, he set a career high in assists (57) and points (76).

However, Green’s offensive production took a bit of a hit after those seasons. A combination of injuries and differing coaching styles (Bruce Boudreau, Dale Hunter, Adam Oates) may have lead to Green’s decreased play.

However, last season may have been a “redemption song” for Green, as new head coach Barry Trotz was brought in to stabilize and improve the team’s structure. But the additions of Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik, and a new corps of defensemen from the Capitals’ AHL affiliate Hershey Bears may have been too much for Green.

Still only 29-years old, Green is in the prime of his NHL career. He is going to a team that has been built on championships and rich in history.

He won’t have to look far for guidance or advice.

[su_button url=”https://elitesportsny.com/2015/07/01/new-york-mets-look-to-sprout-offense-against-cubs/” target=”blank” background=”#000080″ size=”10″ wide=”yes” radius=”0″]NEXT: Mets Face Cubbies Again[/su_button]
I'm a blogger trying to make it in this world. Have been, and always will be, a fan of the NYR and NYG. Writing for the New Jersey Devils cause, well, someone has to do it!