ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski penned a lengthy article about Mike Green, a player who Wyshynski suggests is “at a career crossroads“:
Green’s points this season are split evenly between even strength and the power play (13 each).
“The key is finding that balance. The offense and defense. Playing in Detroit, they really focus on the defensive side of the puck, and it’s really helped my game. I’m grateful for that,” he said.
He’s also grateful for having spent these last three seasons with a storied Original Six franchise.
“I don’t think you can compare it to anything else. The history … walking in the dressing room, with the old players and the old captains, the Stanley Cups they’ve won. It’s really special,” he said. “I love it in Detroit. It’s a great organization. I hope I stay.”
Green is in the last year of a three-year, $18-million deal that carries full trade protection, which is a significant detail considering that Green’s expected to be coveted ahead of the Feb. 26 trade deadline.
His future is something he’s tried to avoid considering, focusing on a Red Wings’ season that saw him earn All-Star Game honors with 26 points in 48 games. But in the digital age, avoiding that speculation is difficult when the speculation is being constantly fed to you.
“Nowadays, a notification comes to your phone, so you hear about it whether you’d like to or not,” said Green. “I think in this league, there’s always uncertainty. But I’ve been around long enough. I know what to expect. It’s why I don’t think about it all that much. I understand the process. When decisions are ready to be made, I’ll be ready to make them.”
Wyshynski continues at extended length…
A 200 foot game? That explains why Green’s offense has dropped off since the start of the season.