NHL
Red Wings Re-sign Mike Green for Two Years
The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed Mike Green who was set to become a free agent on July 1. The new contract is worth $10.75 million with an average annual value of $5.375 million. This is a slight decrease in earnings from his previous three-year, $18 million contract.
In 66 games during the 2017-18 season, Green had 33 points. His season ended early when a year-old neck injury required cervical spinal surgery. This injury was what caused him to miss part of February as well. Detroit tried to gain draft picks for Mike Green at the trade deadline but was unable to. With this new contract, it is clear the Red Wings believe that he will return healthy.
Green’s Impact in Detroit
Green was undoubtedly Detroit’s best defenseman. The 32-year-old tallied above 30 points in the last five seasons. Last season, he led the team’s skaters with an average of 22:05 on-ice minutes per game. Green’s advantage is that he is able to contribute on special teams as well. His assist total was split almost equally between five-on-five and the power play. However, all but one of his goals did come at even strength.
Detroit’s average age on the blue line could be cause for concern in the coming years. Green, Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, and Trevor Daley are all over 30. Giving Mike Green a few more years with the team will allow the Red Wings to start a defensive rebuild. With 12 picks in the 2019 draft, the Red Wings can select their future defensemen. Five picks in the first three rounds is promising, but with the right bargaining chips they can trade up. Having two first round picks would allow Detroit a better chance at NHL-ready talent.
Mike Green was just one of at least three signings the Red Wings announced today. Detroit has also signed forward Thomas Vanek to a one-year deal and goalie Jonathan Bernier for three years.
