Mike Green signs with Red Wings after 10 seasons with Capitals
The Detroit Red Wings have signed veteran defenseman Mike Green to a three-year contract, the team announced Wednesday. The deal is worth a total of $18 million, The Detroit News reported.
Green, 29, was a first-round draft pick by the Washington Capitals in 2004 and spent his first 10 NHL seasons with the club. He finished second in voting for the Norris Trophy - the NHL's award for the league's top defenseman - in 2009 and 2010.
After averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per game from the 2007–08 season until the 2013–14 season, Green's playing time with the Capitals decreased last season. He averaged just over 19 minutes on the ice each game, fifth among Capitals' defensemen.
He has a total of 360 points in 575 career games.
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Signing Green gives the Red Wings seven experienced defensemen under contract for the 2015–16 season, including Jonathan Ericsson and Niklas Kronwall.
Detroit general manager Ken Holland said that a defensive prospect will probably also make the final roster and round out the Red Wings' defense, according to the News.
“We want to thank Mike for 10 great seasons with the Washington Capitals,” the Capitals said in a statement.
“Mike was an ultimate professional in his long tenure with our organization and had a huge impact on our community. We wish Mike all the best with the Detroit Red Wings organization.”
- Dan Gartland