DetroitRedWings.com’s Josh Berenter filed a profile of Red Wings free agent signing Thomas Greiss, per Greiss’s comments on last week’s “The Word on Woodward” episode:
The 6-foot-2, 232-pound goalie has started 250 games throughout his 11 NHL seasons, earning a career record of 137-90-28 with a goals-against average of 2.63 and a .915 save percentage. He went 16-9-4 in 31 games for the Islanders last season and said one of the biggest factors of signing with Detroit was the chance to play for executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman.
“A big part was Yzerman, his personality and what he’s achieved in the past,” Greiss said to Johnston. “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.”
The free agent was signed to replace veteran goaltender Jimmy Howard, who played for the Red Wings since 2005. Greiss will battle for the No. 1 goalie spot with Jonathan Bernier, who emerged as Detroit’s starter last season amid Howard’s struggles.
Greiss had several other suiters seeking his services in free agency, but he chose Detroit because of Yzerman, as well as familiarity with former Islanders teammates Frans Nielsen and Valtteri Filippula and simply an opportunity to play in Hockeytown.
“(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.”
