|
DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have signed unrestricted free-agent defenseman Mike Green to a three-year contract worth $18 million, an NHL source confirmed with ESPN.com. The contract also has a full no-trade clause. The Green signing gets the Red Wings the right-handed-shot defenseman the franchise has been seeking the past few years and also provides a boost for the power play. Green took on a reduced role under coach Barry Trotz with the Washington Capitals last year with the addition of Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen but still finished with 45 points in 72 games. A first-round draft pick of the Capitals in 2004, Green's ice time fell to its lowest mark, 19:06, since 2006-07 with the team. He was much more impactful and efficient when on the ice, however, with a plus-15 mark and 45 points -- his best regular-season totals since 2009-10.  "We want to thank Mike for 10 great seasons with the Washington Capitals," the team said in a statement released Wednesday. "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." The 29-year-old, whose play has been marred by injuries the past few seasons, was able to generate offense this season that helped him approximate the form that made him a two-time Norris Trophy runner-up. The Calgary, Alberta, native made $6.25 million to close out a three-year, $18.25 million contract with the Capitals.
|
