On the first day of free agency, long-time Capital Mike Green signed a three-year, $18 million contract to play in Detroit. Despite being the most sought out UFA on the market, Green found the decision, according to Bill Roose of DetroitRedWings.com, to be a “pretty easy one.”
Here’s Mike Green in his own words on why he signed with Detroit.
Via Brendan Savage of Michigan Live:
“Obviously the style of play was a huge factor in the decision. I enjoy jumping up in the play and moving the puck and creating offense from the back end. Detroit’s a puck-moving team. That’s how I enjoy playing. I’m really looking forward to the system they play and trying to fit in the best as I can.
“I talked earlier in the week with Ken (Holland, Detroit’s general manager) and you know, it was my first conversation and from that point on I was really intrigued with what he had said. Everything was very positive on his end and on my end and in my head.
“When it came down to today, I was pretty confident if there was an offer from Detroit that I would move forward and we really didn’t really take advantage of any other offers.”
Via Bill Roose of DetroitRedWings.com.
“I think as players you want that, but I was willing to take a little bit less on term to go to a great organization that I’m extremely excited to play for. I’m really looking forward to the fast pace, puck-possession team, or style of play that Detroit plays, and I think it’s a good fit for how I play, and how they play as a team.”
Finally, Green spoke for six minutes with NHL Live yesterday. It’s an interesting interview and I encourage all of you to listen to it. Green reveals he will be the quarterback of Detroit’s power play.
Green on his time in Washington:
“You know what? I did enjoy my time there. It was a great place to play. I have a lot of fond memories – times on the ice and off. Obviously I’ve been there for 10 years so it created a bit of foundation – I met my wife there and whatnot. To leave it was sad, but like you said, it is a business. For myself, it was time to move on and grow again as a player and Detroit was a perfect fit for that.”
