The Detroit Red Wings needed to shore up their crease after making the decision to not retain veteran Jimmy Howard, who is currently an unrestricted free-agent.
And they found their man to team up with Jonathan Bernier early in free agency, inking former New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss to a two-year deal.
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While it can be hard to leave a place you’ve established as a home, the intrigue of a new challenge can prompt a change.
“It’s always difficult, but always nice to have change,” Greiss said. “Five years playing in New York, you definitely get settled in there and you’re very familiar with things. But change is always good and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”
Of course, with GM Steve Yzerman running the show in the Motor City now, it didn’t take too much of a sales pitch to encourage Greiss to come aboard.
“A big part was Yzerman, his personality and what he’s achieved in the past,” Greiss said. “I had a long phone call with him after (I signed). It was a very positive call and I look forward to working with him more. He’s achieved great things in the past in his playing career and his GM career, and I’m looking forward to the season.”
It also doesn’t hurt that the Red Wings have one of the richest histories of any NHL team, and are known for being a top-tier organization.
“(It’s) a great hockey city, a great organization that treats people well, very professional in every regard,” Greiss said about Detroit in a Zoom press conference when he signed. “I’m just looking forward to being in a real hockey city. I’ve played in the desert (and different markets) and just looking forward to being in a real hockey city.”
– – Quotes via Josh Berenter of DetroitRedWings.com Link – –
