NHL Free Agency 2018: Detroit Red Wings Re-Sign Mike Green

By Tyler Samson | Jul 3, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green (25) waits for a face off during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Detroit Red Wings on February 11, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. Detroit defeated Washington 5-4 in overtime.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Detroit Red Wings are bringing back defenseman Mike Green in NHL free agency

As many expected, the Detroit Red Wings have re-signed defenseman Mike Green to a two year, $10.75 million dollar deal. Last season, Green had eight goals (seven in which were scored on the power play) and 33 assists in 66 games. He had a sad end to his 2017-18 season when he sustained a season-ending neck injury.

Green’s time in Detroit thus far has been pretty productive. In 212 games, as a member of the Red Wings, he has registered 29 goals, 75 assists and 104 penalty minutes. Green led all Red Wings defensemen in point production each season since his arrival in the 2015-16 season. It is also important to note that he was an NHL All-Star in 2018.

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Last season, many believed he was going to be traded to a Cup contending team, but he stayed the remainder of the season in Detroit. The 2018-19 season will be a true test for Green.

First, he must show that he is 100% healthy from the neck injury that sidelined him for the back half of the 2017-18 season. And secondly, Green must prove that not trading him and giving him a big price tag was not a mistake.

At 32 years old, he is a proven veteran defenseman that brings a lot of value to the Wings. With the team in an obvious rebuild, signing Green is not a long-term investment. For the next two seasons, he will likely be a mentor to the young defensemen coming up through the Red Wings organization. Not only will he be a mentor, but he will serve as a consistent point producer.

Green’s new contract has a no-trade clause, so he will likely be with the Wings for the two years on his deal. At this point, Red Wings general manager, Ken Holland, is trying to assemble a team that will at least be decent.

With a large majority of the Red Wings’ future developing in the minor leagues, the Red Wings are just waiting for their prospects to be NHL ready. In the meantime, they must put a semi-decent team on the ice.

That is why signing guys like Green and Vanek should come as no surprise because these players are veterans that will produce for the short time the Wings need them.

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As far as next season goes, Mike Green will slot himself as the Wings’ number one defenseman. If Green is able to stay healthy and produce the way he is capable of producing, he should be one of the big stars of this Detroit team.

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