Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green had been with the team since the summer of 2015, and then re-upped with Detroit on a two year extension in 2018. He clearly enjoyed his time playing in the Motor City, but with his status as an upcoming free-agent and Detroit suck in the NHL’s basement, it was time to explore other options.
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That’s when former Red Wings GM Ken Holland came calling.
“I was excited,” Green said after arriving in Edmonton.
“Getting an opportunity to play some competitive hockey and go on a bit of a run here,” he continued. “Being familiar with Alberta and Oil Country, last night it was an easy decision for me. Absolutely.”
Green knew there was likely going to be a trade when he was a late scratch for Detroit’s Sunday night game at home against the Calgary Flames. He explained that he was presented the offer by GM Steve Yzerman, and it didn’t take long for Green to agree to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal.
“I was getting ready to go play against Calgary and got called off,” Green said. “Steve (Yzerman) presented the option. He gave me until the morning to make a decision. I ended up going home and talking to my wife. It was a no-brainer.
“I called them both back and said I would waive. And here I am.”
Of course, Green also joins fellow ex-Red Wing in Andreas Athanasiou, who was also dealt to the great white north yesterday. They’ll both go to work in trying to help the Oilers secure a playoff spot and go on a potential run.
“You watch them all year, they’ve played great hockey,” the former Red Wing said. “A lot of guys are going right now. They’re getting great goaltending and that’s everything nowadays.
“I think for me, it’s just a matter of just kind of seeing where I fit in here, getting to know the personalities and the guys in the room as quickly as possible and trying to make an impact.”
– – Quotes via EdmontonOilers.com Link– –
