Detroit Red Wings Clips  July 2, 2015

Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Wings add ‘real important ingredients' in free agents Green, Richards PAGE 4 A look at where Red Wings stand in NHL free agency PAGE 6 NHL free agency tracker: Predators keep Ribeiro PAGE 10 Lidstrom recalls Sergei's late-night calls to Anna PAGE 12 Wings get free agents Mike Green, Brad Richards PAGE 14 Up-tempo style of play helped Red Wings land free agents Mike Green,

Brad Richards on 'a great day' PAGE 17 Red Wings sign veteran forward Brad Richards to one-year, $3 million

contract PAGE 18 Red Wings sign right-shot, offensive defenseman Mike Green to three-

year, $18 million deal PAGE 19 Goaltender Tom McCollum re-signed to one-year contract by Detroit Red

Wings PAGE 20 Detroit Red Wings re-sign forward Andy Miele to one-year contract PAGE 21 Red Wings sign defenseman Mike Green, winger Brad Richards PAGE 23 Seidel: Wings' culture, history help land Green, Richards PAGE 25 Wings' prospects McCollum, Miele return to Griffins PAGE 26 Defenseman Green, center Richards sign with Red Wings PAGE 28 Mike Green is joining the Red Wings on a three-year deal PAGE 29 Bob Duff: Red Wings excited by additions of Mike Green, Brad Richards

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Wings add ‘real important ingredients' in free agents Green, Richards By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 07/01/15, 8:16 PM EDT | Updated: 53 secs ago DETROIT >> Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland went into free agency looking to add dimensions to his roster. He feels he’s done that. Holland first added right-handed defenseman Mike Green and then signed Brad Richards to end the first day of free agency on Wednesday. Green, who had played his entire 10-year career with the Washington Capitals, inked a three-year deal worth $6 million a season. Richards signed a one-year deal worth $3 million. He could earn an extra $1 million if he meets playoff bonuses. “We went into free agency looking to make some moves that would make a big impact on our team and I think we added two players that provide some real important ingredients that we’re looking for,” Holland said. “Both players have high hockey IQs, great stick stills and the ability to play give-and-go, the type of game we like to build our team on.” In Green, who’s a two-time finalist for the Norris Trophy that’s awarded to the league’s top defenseman, the Wings get the right-handed-shooting defenseman they’ve coveted since last offseason to quarterback the power play. He’s slated to be paired with Danny DeKeyser. Richards is a number two center ice man, but could slot up to number one if Pavel Datsyuk isn’t ready to being the season after ankle surgery. “We added a guy that’s a winner with two Stanley Cups,” Holland said of Richards. The deal with Green fits perfectly for the Wings, who might not have been willing to sign him a longer term. Green, 29, gives the Wings seven defensemen on one-way contracts, joining Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl. If there’s not a trade, prospects Alexey Marchenko and Xavier Ouellet will likely start the season in Grand Rapids. The knock on Green is he doesn’t play hard. He can run a power play, will rack up the points, but he’s not air tight defensively. He’s going to make up for it on the other end because he’s going to generate points so it’s a little bit of give and take.

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With the Capitals, Green totaled 113 goals and 247 assists in 575 regular season games. Fifty-two of his goals came on the power play. In 71 playoff games, Green had nine goals, six on the power play, and 26 assists. Green, who had a career high 31 goals in the 2008-09 season, slipped down the Capitals’ depth chart, falling to a third pairing, after they signed Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik last summer. He averaged just over 19 minutes of ice time, which was the lowest since his first full season in the league, 2006-07. He scored 10 goals and had 35 assists in 72 games. Detroit will be the third Original Six team Richards, 35, will have played for. After winning the Cup in his first season in Chicago, Richards, who was bought out by the New York Rangers before joining the Blackhawks, didn’t feel there was a fit for him there anymore. “When you win everyone is excited and you’re thinking about your teammates there in Chicago, and not a week later about going somewhere so I just sat back and waited to see what would come our way,” Richards said. “I’m not prepared to wait half the summer. I wanted to get something knocked out and move on so I could enjoy my summer. We were very fortunate the Wings called and I’m excited to be joining another great organization.” Richards also won the Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004 and was named the playoff MVP. He won the Lady Byng for sportsmanship that same season. Richards scored 12 goals and had 25 assists in 76 games with Chicago. He turned it up in the playoffs with three goals and 11 assists in 23 games. Detroit now has 20 players signed, 12 of which are forwards, for approximately $65 million. That leaves about $6 million under the $71.4 million cap. The Wings still have to sign restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Landon Ferraro, while factoring in the cost of re-signing Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Danny DeKeyser, Riley Sheahan and Petr Mrazek in 2016. Macomb Daily LOADED: 07.02.2015

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A look at where Red Wings stand in NHL free agency Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 4:29 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 The free agency period begins today. Who could the Wings target? What about the restricted free agents? "Black Friday" has arrived for NHL teams, the day everyone goes shopping in hopes of finding something good to take home. Management and scouts for the Detroit Red Wings are gathered at Joe Louis Arena for the event, which begins at noon. The Wings would like to get bigger, and they would like an offensive defenseman who shoots right - but unfortunately, the fact that teams resign stars means this is summer market is bleak. Let's take a look at where things stand with the Red Wings: Wings go Green: The Red Wingssigned Mike Green to three years and $18 million. At 6-foot-1, 207 pounds Green, 29, adds size, and he's got the offense the Wings have so badly needed to add to the back end since losing both Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski to retirement the past few years. Green had 10 goals and 45 points and a plus-15 defensive rating in 72 games last season. He had 38 points 70 games in 2013-14, and 26 points in 35 games in 2013. He has played a full season only once in nine NHL seasons because of a history of being injury prone, and he's got shortcomings defensively, but he's in the prime of his career and he was the best option for the Wings as they sought to add a right-shot offensive defenseman to their lineup. What about Ward: Joel Ward (like Green, spent last season with Washington) is 6-1, 226 pounds, and he shoots right. He had 19 goals last season, 24 the year before. He'd add size and skill up front, but again it's a matter of making him fit. On the front lines: The Wings have 10 forwards signed plus RFAs in Nyquist, Jurco, Pulkkinen and Ferraro. That's 14. Subtract Pavel Datsyuk (ankle surgery) for the start of the season, and that still leaves a full lineup. Plus there's Dylan Larkin, the 2014 first-round pick, who the Wings are giving a chance to make the team. To bring in a fresh outsider, somebody would have to be traded. Looking at the back end: The Wings have six defensemen signed to NHL contracts (Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith, Jakub Kindl). They have four prospects - Alexey Marchenko, Xavier Ouellet, Ryan Sproul and Nick Jensen - who are entering their last season of waiver exemption. That means the Wings have to find out this coming season whether those four guys are NHL-worthy. That'd be hard to do if they sign a UFA defenseman - it would mean someone would have to be moved. They've tried for two seasons to trade Kindl, with no takers. Kronwall, Ericsson and DeKeyser aren't going anywhere, and Quincey is up in a year. Would Alexander Semin make sense?

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The future: Spending now has to be considered against next year's budget, when the Wings will be faced with resigning potential UFAs Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, along with RFAs in DeKeyser, Riley Sheahan and Petr Mrazek. In 2015-16, those five cost about $8 million. They'll be closer to upwards of $20 million starting in 2016-17. Take DeKeyser as an example - if Jeff Petry and his 22 points and minus-28 defensive rating last season are worth $5.5 million annually, DeKeyser and his 31 points and plus-11 rating won't be worth any less. The Franzen factor: This is a bind for the Wings. Maybe their big man with multiple head injuries is able to play this fall. Quite likely, even if he does, he's one big hit from another lengthy absence. But here's the thing - the Wings couldn't have bought him out before Tuesday's deadline because he's hurt. They can't force him to retire. They can't force him on Long-Term Injured Reserve. So they are stuck with having to count his $3.9 million against the cap and counting him as a roster spot for now. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.02.2015

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NHL free agency tracker: Predators keep Ribeiro By Associated Press 2:28 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 The Nashville Predators are keeping forward Mike Ribeiro, who has signed a two-year, $7 million contract on the opening day of free agency. Ribeiro said Wednesday he's "more than ecstatic." The 35-year-old Ribeiro scored 15 goals and had a team-record 47 assists for the Predators this past season. He was sued in March by a woman who accuses him of sexual assault. Ribeiro's lawyer, Brian Lauten, has said his client denies the allegations. Predators general manager David Poile said Tuesday that Ribeiro mentioned before signing with the Predators last year the possibility a suit could be filed. Poile said Ribeiro was a "good teammate, a productive player" this year and that the forward and his wife "were excellent in the community." The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Raphael Diaz and forwards Jayson Megna and Matt Lindblad as free agents. Rangers general manager and president Glen Sather announced the moves on Wednesday as the NHL kicked off free agency. Contract terms were not immediately available. Diaz, 29, is returning for a second stint with the Rangers. He played 56 games with the Calgary Flames this past season, finishing with two goals and two assists. Prior to joining the Flames, Diaz played part of the 2013-14 season with the Rangers after being acquired in a trade with Vancouver on March 5, 2014. He has played in 201 NHL games over four seasons with the Rangers, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, with eight goals and 41 assists. Megna, 25, split this past season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). He had one assist in 12 games with Pittsburgh. In 63 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this past season, he had 26 goals and 13 assists. Megna has skated in 48 NHL games over parts of two seasons, both with Pittsburgh, registering five goals and five assists. Lindblad, 25, played in three NHL games with the Boston Bruins and 47 games with Providence (AHL) this past season. The 5-11, 193-pounder has skated in 106 AHL games over parts of three seasons, registering 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points. Prior to joining the professional ranks, Lindblad played three seasons of collegiate hockey at Dartmouth University. Wild sign center Granlund, defenseman Reilly The Minnesota Wild finished a drawn-out negotiation with Mikael Granlund by locking up the center with a two-year deal on Wednesday.

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The 23-year-old Granlund had eight goals and 31 assists last season. He ranked third on the team in plus-minus rating with a plus-17 and the team hopes he continues his path to becoming one of the team's top playmakers. Granlund has played three seasons with the Wild since coming over from Finland. He has 88 career points and has scored six goals in 13 career playoff games. The Wild also announced a two-year deal with rookie defenseman Mike Reilly. He had six goals and 36 assists in 39 games as a junior for the University of Minnesota last season. He grew up in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen. Avs add defenseman Francois Bauchemin, forward Comeau The Colorado Avalanche fortified their blue line by signing defenseman Francois Beauchemin to a three-year deal. The 35-year-old Beauchemin averaged a team-best 22 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time per game for Anaheim last season. He also ranked second among Ducks defensemen with a career-high 11 goals. Colorado general manager Joe Sakic said the signing of Beauchemin on Wednesday brings "toughness, leadership and a veteran presence to our blue line." The team is trying to beef up its defensive corps this offseason. Beauchemin also brings postseason experience, having played in all 16 playoff games for the Ducks in 2014-15 and averaging 25:24 of ice time. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Beauchemin was a third-round pick by Montreal in 1998. He's played in 673 NHL games with Montreal, Columbus, Anaheim and Toronto. The 29-year-old Comeau scored 16 goals for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, including five game-winners. Coyotes sign Richardson, Michalek to deals The Arizona Coyotes have signed forward Brad Richardson to a three-year contract and brought back defenseman Zbynek Michalek for a third stint with the team in a two-year deal. Terms of the contracts were not released. The 30-year-old Richards had eight goals and 13 assists in 45 games with the Vancouver Canucks last season. He has 62 goals and 87 assists in 10 NHL seasons that include stops with the Canucks, Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche. A stay-at-home defenseman, Michalek played for the Coyotes from 2005-10 and 2012-2015. He was traded to St. Louis in a deadline deal last season, finishing with two goals and two assists in 15 games with the Blues. Kings add goalie depth with Enroth Goalie Jhonas Enroth has signed with the Los Angeles Kings, agreeing to a one-year, $1.25 million deal to back up Jonathan Quick. The Kings confirmed the deal Wednesday with the unrestricted free agent.

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Enroth finished last season with the Dallas Stars after spending 6 1/2 years in the system of the Buffalo Sabres, who drafted him in 2006. He made the NHL's all-rookie team in 2012 and eventually became Ryan Miller's backup. Enroth played a career-high 50 games last season between Buffalo and Dallas, which acquired him in February. He also won a gold medal for Sweden at the 2013 world championships and a silver medal from the Sochi Olympics. The Kings needed a veteran goalie after trading Martin Jones to Boston last week in a deal for Milan Lucic. Panthers sign three, buy out Boyes The Florida Panthers have bought out the contract of right wing Brad Boyes and added three players shortly after the NHL free agency period opened. Boyes was put on waivers earlier in the week and bought out Wednesday once he cleared. He had 21 goals for the Panthers two seasons ago, but dropped to just 14 goals in 78 games this past season. The Panthers signed goalie Mike McKenna to a two-year, two-way contract. McKenna spent last season with Portland of the AHL, and is 5-11-2 with a 3.48 goals-against average in limited NHL action with Tampa Bay, New Jersey, Columbus and Arizona. Forward Shane Harper and defenseman Sena Acolatse were signed to one-year, two-way deals. Neither has appeared in an NHL regular-season contest. Islanders sign three players The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Thomas Hickey, goaltender Thomas Greiss and forward Kirill Petrov. The Islanders announced the moves on Wednesday, the opening day of free agency in the NHL. Hickey got a three-year deal in re-signing with the Islanders. Greiss was given a two-year contract after playing 20 games with the Penguins last season. Petrov, a third-round draft pick in 2008, got a one-year, entry-level deal. Hickey has seven goals and 41 assists in 202 career NHL games, all with the Islanders. The Calgary native led all Islanders defensemen in games last season (81), set a career high in assists (20) and matched his career high in points (22). The Los Angeles Kings selected the 26-year-old defenseman in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft. He was claimed off waivers by the Islanders in January 2013. He was an unrestricted free agent. Greiss posted a 9-6-3 record with a .908 save percentage and a 2.59 goals-against average with the Penguins. The German played 25 games the previous season with the Phoenix Coyotes. The San Jose Sharks selected Greiss in the third round (94th overall) of the 2004 National Hockey League Draft. In 89 career NHL games with San Jose, Phoenix and Pittsburgh, he recorded a 36-30-11 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.47

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goals-against average. Greiss also appeared in one Stanley Cup Playoff game with the Sharks in 2010. Petrov, 25, had five goals and 10 assists with Kazan Ak-Bars of the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Playing parts of nine seasons in Russia's top hockey division, Petrov has tallied 61 goals, 64 assists in 318 games with Ak-Bars and Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Blackhawks extend Artem Anisimov The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a five-year contract extension with Artem Anisimov one day after they acquired the center in a seven-player trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team announced the deal on Wednesday. It begins with the 2016-17 season. The Blackhawks got Anisimov, forwards Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp, and a fourth-round selection in the 2016 draft from the Blue Jackets for forwards Brandon Saad and Alex Broadhurst and defenseman Michael Paliotta. The 27-year-old Anisimov had seven goals and 20 assists in 52 games for the Blue Jackets last season. The Russian forward has 192 points in 412 career NHL games with Columbus and the New York Rangers. The 6-foot-4 Anisimov was selected by the Rangers in the second round of the 2006 draft. Flames sign right wing Michael Frolik to 5-year deal; goalie Karri Ramo back for 1 year Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Lidstrom recalls Sergei's late-night calls to Anna Steve Schrader, Detroit Free Press 3:03 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 Ah, the good old days. Nicklas Lidstrom was reminiscing about them this morning on The Ticket's "Stoney & Bill Show," back when he and Sergei Fedorov were road roommates for the Detroit Red Wings. And what was that like? "You know what, there were some phone calls in the middle of the night, Sergei's laying under his blanket, talking to someone," Lidstrom said. "You know, waking up to hearing a voice in the room, you can't see anyone, but finally I see the cord going underneath the blanket and it's Sergei speaking Russian. And he's calling his former girlfriend, Anna Kournikova, over in Europe somewhere, she was in a tennis tournament. "That kind of freaked me out, that he's calling his girlfriend in the middle of the night, under the blanket." Now Lidstrom and Fedorov are going into the Hockey Hall of Fame together, part of this year's class that was announced Monday. And someday, Lidstrom said, Fedorov's No. 91 should join his No. 5 with the other retired Wings jerseys in the rafters at Joe Louis Arena (or their new arena). Where the Red Wings stand in free agency "Eventually I think that's going to happen," Lidstrom said. "Sergei had a great career for the Wings and he was a fun player to watch, a fun player to play with. He was such a dynamic player that he could win the game by himself. Sergei in his heyday, when he was at his best, he was probably if not the best, in the top three in the league." Hosts Stoney, Bill and Sara also asked Lidstrom about: • The leading question of what other Wings he played with that should be in the Hall of Fame: "That's a hard question. I played with so many guys that made it into the Hall of Fame. I'm looking at a player like Chris Osgood who won a lot for us. I know it's been up in the air if he should go in there or not, but I think Ozzie was a great goaltender for us, and a goaltender that stepped up at the right moments. He played well in pressure games and if he had a bad game, he could shake it off and get ready for the next one. I think Ozzie down the road will get a shot at going in there." • What kind of hockey dad is he: "I'm actually one of the coaches for my younger son's team, so I'm helping out on the ice for that. But I have three other boys and I'm the quiet parent sitting up in the stands and enjoying watching my kids play. I know some parents get a little bit too much into it and they want to get too much involved. They ask me questions and I try to tell them, 'Let the coaches be the coach. You don't have to coach your son from the stands or in the car on the way home. Some of them listen."

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Whatever Lidstrom did must have worked — or maybe it's his genes — because two of his sons, Adam and Kevin, are in the Wings' annual development camp this weekend in Traverse City. • What he thinks of Mike Babcock being succeeded by Jeff Blashill as Wings coach: "Babcock did a great job with the organization. He won the Cup with us back in '08 and I think he's done a great job getting younger players into the lineup. But I also think that 10 years is a long time. I think he was ready for a change, I think that's why he made the move. But I think the team will benefit from it, too, because you have a young coach coming it that's going to be hungry and I think that could get the older guys to get recharged again. ... But like I said, Babs did a great job for the organization." Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Wings get free agents Mike Green, Brad Richards Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 5:45 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 Detroit – The Red Wings have landed their right-handed shot on defense. Former Washington defenseman Mike Green signed a three-year contract with the Wings on Wednesday on the first day of unrestricted free agency. The deal is for a total of $18 million ($6 million annually). The Wings then added forward Brad Richards for one year and $3 million. Richards can add $1 million in bonuses -- $250,000 for a series win in the first round of the playoffs, and $750,000 for a series win in the second round. Green, 29, has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Capitals. Green, 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, is a native of Calgary, Alberta. Last season he played 72 games with 10 goals and 35 assists for 45 points, with a plus-15 rating, while averaging 19:06 of ice time. He had 34 penalty minutes. After signing Green, Wings general manager Ken Holland wrote in a text message to The Detroit News that the organization is not necessarily done in free agency. The Wings are "still kicking tires," Holland wrote. That tire-kicking apparently led the Wings to Richards. Richards, 35, played 76 games with the Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks this past season, netting 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points and a plus-3 rating. In the playoffs, Richards played 23 games and scored 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) with a plus-4 rating. Richards (6-0, 199) provides experience and veteran depth in case Pavel Datsyuk (ankle surgery) isn't ready for the start of the regular season. Green's signing gives the Red Wings eight defensemen, which will likely make another move necessary down the line. Green joins current Red Wings defensemen Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl -- all left-handed shooters. Holland has said that one of the organization's young defensemen -- Xavier Ouellet, Alexey Marchenko, Ryan Sproul or Nick Jensen -- likely will make the final roster. The 72 games Green played last season was the most he's played in a single season since 2009-10, due to a variety of injuries, including a concussion. Green led all NHL defenseman in points in 2009 and 2010 and has led all defensemen in goals four times -- 2008 (18), 2009 (31), 2010 (19) and 2013 (12). Green has 345 points since the start of the 2007-08 season -- the second-highest points total in the NHL during that time; Chicago's Duncan Keith is first.

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He was Norris Trophy runnerup in 2008-09 with 73 points (31, 42), then repeated as Norris runnerup in 2009-10 with 76 points (19, 57). Notable: Green was drafted by the Capitals in the first round, No. 29 overall, in 2004. That pick originally belonged to the Red Wings, but they traded it to Washington in the deal that brought Robert Lang to Detroit. Detroit News LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Up-tempo style of play helped Red Wings land free agents Mike Green, Brad Richards on 'a great day' Brendan Savage on July 01, 2015 at 8:24 PM, updated July 01, 2015 at 8:27 PM DETROIT – Everything about the Detroit Red Wings appealed to Mike Green. • They've got a rich tradition with 24 consecutive playoff appearances and 11 Stanley Cup championships, including four since 1997. • They stress puck possession, which fits perfectly with the offensive-minded Green's style of play. • And they provided the free-agent defenseman with the kind of financial package he was seeking. Add it all up and it's not much of a surprise Green said the decision to accept a three-year, $18 million contract to play in Detroit "was a pretty easy one" after spending the first 10 seasons of his NHL career in Washington. Joining Green in signing with the Red Wings on the opening day of free agency was center Brad Richards, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million. "Obviously the style of play was a huge factor in the decision," Green said. "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." Green, who will turn 30 during the first week of the 2015-16 season, gives the Red Wings something they've been seeking for several years – a defenseman who shoots from the right side and can give the offense a boost while quarterbacking the power play. Last season marked the fifth time in his career Green has scored at least 10 goals. He has averaged almost 14 goals in the past eight seasons with a high of 31 in 2008-09, when he was a first-team All-Star and runner-up for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman. Of his 360 career points, 163 have come on the power play. That includes 111 assists. Holland think Green will give the Red Wings the type of offense on the back end that was crucial to the team's success during its Stanley Cup seasons.

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"We were really fortunate to have guys like Nick Lidstrom and Bryan Rafalski and Chris Chelios and Larry Murphy going back," Holland said. "We always wanted to have defensemen who could join the rush and get the puck moving. That's part of how we've been able to accomplish what we've accomplished. "Certainly today was a great day to add a defenseman who can provide offense, shoots right and gives our team another dimension. We seem to sometimes have all lefts on the power play, so adding a lefty and a rightly, it's more options for (coach) Jeff Blashill as he puts our team together and certainly on the power play." Holland said Green will be paired with Danny DeKeyser on defense while Richards could start the season as Detroit's No. 1 center until Pavel Datsyuk is healthy after undoing surgery last week to repair ruptured tendons in his ankle. When Datsyuk returns, he'll likely play with captain Henrik Zetterberg on the top line while Richards centers the second line and Riley Sheahan centers the third. "So we're hoping, believing, that when everybody's healthy that we're going to be able to roll four lines and three lines that can really provide offense on any given night," Holland said. "One of those three lines can score some goals for us to put us over the top. "We think we're going to have a good competition and we're going to have lots of different options for Blash to put his line combinations together." Many of the same things that appealed to Green helped draw Richards to the Red Wings after he helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup during his only season in The Windy City. It was the second time Richards has hoisted the Cup after also winning it with Tampa Bay in 2004, when he had a playoff-high 26 points and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. "I just played in the type of puck possession, up-tempo style" the Red Wings employ, said Richards, 35. "Everybody wants the puck in Detroit. Ever since I've been in the league, no matter what personnel is there, they always want the puck. "They want to play with the puck but they still have a huge emphasis on checking and getting the puck back. It's a great way to play." He also likes the makeup of the Red Wings roster. "They have a lot of young talent with great leadership," said Richards, who also played for Dallas and the Rangers during his 14-year career. "I've always been a fan of watching Datsyuk, Zetterberg play and I know they may be getting a little older but they're still elite players that can lead a team through a deep run. "You just look at that. So when I was picking teams I wanted to try and make another run and I think I've got a good chance here." Adding Green and Richards will give the Red Wings 15 forwards and nine defenseman once they re-sign their restricted free agents, so some personnel decisions will have to be made before the Oct. 9 season opener vs. Mike Babcock and the Maple Leafs.

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And that's OK with Holland. "We're going to have to make some moves, which is a good thing," he said. "I'd rather deal from a position of strength than a position of weakness. We feel real good about our depth on defense. "It's a great day for the Red Wings today. We went into free agency looking to make some moves that would make a big impact on our team and I think we added two players today that provide some real important ingredients that we're looking for." Michigan Live LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Red Wings sign veteran forward Brad Richards to one-year, $3 million contract Ansar Khan on July 01, 2015 at 5:28 PM, updated July 01, 2015 at 5:48 PM DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have signed veteran center Brad Richards to a one-year, $3 million deal. Richards, 35, had 12 goals and 25 assists in 76 games with Chicago last season. He added three goals and 11 assists in 23 playoff games for the Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks. The contract features playoff bonuses that could increase the value by $1 million. Richards signed a nine-year, $60 free-agent contract with the New York Rangers in 2011 but was bought out after just three seasons. The Rangers will pay him $3.05 million this season, $5.05 million in 2016-17 and $1.05 million in each of the following nine seasons until 2025-26. Richards (6-0, 196) has 288 goals and 616 assists in 1,058 games over 14 NHL seasons with Tampa Bay, Dallas, the Rangers and Chicago. He's added 36 goals and 68 assists in 141 playoff games. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with the Lightning in 2004. He won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship the same season. The Red Wings cleared a roster spot and some cap space for this move by buying out the final three years of Stephen Weiss' contract Tuesday. The Richards signing gives the Red Wings' 11 signed forwards: Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Justin Abdelkader, Tomas Tatar, Riley Sheahan, Darren Helm, Luke Glendening, Drew Miller, Joakim Andersson and John Franzen, whose future is murky due to his latest concussion. They will sign restricted free-agent forwards Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Landon Ferraro prior to training camp, giving them 15 forwards, one more than they plan to carry. But, again, Franzen's status won't be sorted out until training camp or later. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Red Wings sign right-shot, offensive defenseman Mike Green to three-year, $18 million deal Ansar Khan on July 01, 2015 at 3:55 PM, updated July 01, 2015 at 4:17 PM DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wing have landed that offensive-minded right-shooting defensemen they've been seeking for some time, signing free agent Mike Green today to a three-year deal worth $18 million. The $6 million cap hit is about what Green was expected to receive. It's a shorter term than any expected one of the top free-agent defensemen to receive. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said "he's still kicking tires" in free agency. Green, 29, has been one of the NHL's top offensive defensemen for the past 10 years with the Washington Capitals. He's been hampered by injuries, however, and concerns about his defensive shortcomings relegated him to the third pairing last season under first-year coach Barry Trotz. In addition to providing offense for a blue line that doesn't score much, Green gives the Red Wings a top power-play quarterback – for a man-advantage that ranked second in the league in 2014-15. Green (6-1, 208) had 10 goals and 35 assists in 72 games last season. He produced only two points (both assists) in 14 playoff games, when his ice time was reduced significantly. Green gives the Red Wings seven defensemen under one-way contracts, joining Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl. Unless the Red Wings make a trade (with Kindl being the most likely candidate), Alexey Marchenko and Xavier Ouellet are likely to start the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Red Wings have 19 players signed for approximately $62 million. That leaves about $9 million under the $71.4 million cap. They still need to sugn restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Landon Ferraro. In 575 career games, Green has produced 113 goals and 247 points. He has nine goals and 26 assists in 71 career playoff games. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Goaltender Tom McCollum re-signed to one-year contract by Detroit Red Wings Brendan Savage | on July 01, 2015 at 12:26 PM, updated July 01, 2015 at 12:32 PM DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed goaltender Tom McCollum to a one-year contract after he became the No. 1 goaltender for the Grand Rapids Griffins last season when Petr Mrazek was recalled to the NHL. McCollum signed a one-year deal with the Red Wings after posting a 19-11-6 record, 2.40 goals-against average and .916 save percentage with one shutout in 37 games for Grand Rapids last season. In 16 playoff games for the Griffins, he was 9-6 with a 2.55 GAA and .916 save percentage. He also appeared in two games for the Red Wings, picking up his first career NHL victory in a 6-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres after relieving an injured Jimmy Howard. He had a 1-0 record, 0.91 GAA and .960 save percentage for Detroit. McCollum, 25, is a former first-round draft pick. The Red Wings selected him 30th overall in the 2008 NHL draft. He has spent six seasons in Grand Rapids, compiling an 88-78-16 record in 196 appearances. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Detroit Red Wings re-sign forward Andy Miele to one-year contract Brendan Savage | on July 01, 2015 at 12:12 PM, updated July 01, 2015 at 12:18 PM DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Andy Miele to a one-year contract after he led the Grand Rapids Griffins in scoring last season. Miele had 26 goals and 70 points in 71 games for the Griffins to rank second among AHL scorers. He also had eight power-play goals, a plus-10 rating and was a first-team All-Star. In 16 playoff games, Miele had three goals and 11 assists to finish second among the Griffins' postseason scorers behind sniper Teemu Pulkkinen. Miele, 27, played 15 NHL games for the Phoenix Coyotes over three seasons. Before joining the Red Wings organization, he played for Phoenix and Portland of the AHL in 2013-14. He's a native of Grosse Pointe Woods who won the 2011 Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player while at Miami of Ohio. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Red Wings sign defenseman Mike Green, winger Brad Richards Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 9:10 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 Mike Green was intrigued once he heard the Detroit Red Wings were interested. Brad Richards thought about actually getting to be teammates with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. The Detroit Red Wings used opening day of free agency to add the two elements they really needed: A productive right-shooting defenseman and a two-time Stanley Cup champion veteran center. Green got three years and $18 million and Richards received one year at $3 million base plus a possible $1 million in playoff bonuses; contracts that are neither overly long nor unfriendly to the salary cap. "We think we're a much better team than 12 hours ago with one more veteran forward and a top-four right-shooting defenseman," general manager Ken Holland said Wednesday afternoon. "Today is about depth and dimensions." Green and Richards both talked about the Wings' legacy in making their decisions. "The Detroit Red Wings' history and team is top notch," Green said. "The moving parts and fitting myself into the team seemed right. I'm extremely excited." Richards said, "it's another classy organization with a lot of history of players coming here and raving about it and talking about the culture here. You hear so many great things about their leadership. I'm excited to go see how it all works there." Green gives the Wings the right-shot offensive defenseman they've craved since Brian Rafalski retired in 2011 Richards provides a second-line center, and is a proven playoff performer. Both will add looks to the power play. Green spent the past decade with the Washington Capitals. He talked to Holland earlier in the week, and "from that point on, I was really intrigued with what he had said," Green said. "Everything was very positive on his end. When it came down to today, I was pretty confident that if there was an offer from Detroit, I would move forward. We really didn't take advantage of any other offers. I was set in Detroit." For Richards, fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with Chicago, going to a competitive team was important. "They've got a lot of young talent, great leadership," he said. "I watched their Game 7 this year, they probably deserved to win that game. I've always been a fan of watching Datsyuk and Zetterberg play. You just look at that, and I think we've got a good chance here." At 6-1, 207 pounds Green, 29, adds size, and he's got the offense the Wings have so badly needed to add to a back end that was down to relying on Niklas Kronwall for points. Green has missed 35 games over the past three seasons and he has his defensive liabilities, but he can shoot and pass and create. "Mike has a history of being able to produce offense, he can quarterback a power play," Holland said. "He was the one D-man that intrigued us the most."

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The other signing was spurred all the more after last weekend's news that ankle surgery leaves it unlikely Datsyuk will be back before November. Now the Wings have a proven second-line center who provides the option than when Datsyuk does return, he and Henrik Zetterberg can play together. Holland and head coach Jeff Blashill visited Datsyuk Tuesday, and when he heard the Wings were going to do make a move that would allow Datsyuk and Zetterberg to play together, "he was very happy," Holland said. Datsyuk will remain in a cast for three weeks, then a walking boot for another three weeks. At 6-0, 200 pounds, Richards gives the Wings a little more size in the middle, and he loves to shoot the puck. "With Richards, we were looking for another center for the 2-hole," Holland said. "He helped them win Cup in Chicago, he has high hockey IQ, skill level. We think he can complement our wingers." Richards, 35, is coming off a shining playoff performance with Chicago that saw him produce 14 points in 23 games. He is a multiple 20-goal scorer, reaching the watermark as recently as 2013-14. He's durable, too, having missed eight games over the past four seasons. He also won the Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Green had 10 goals and 45 points and a plus-15 defensive rating in 72 games last season. He had 38 points 70 games in 2013-14, and 26 points in 35 games in 2013. He has played a full season only once in nine NHL seasons because of a history of being injury prone, and he's got shortcomings defensively, but he's in the prime of his career and he was the best option for the Wings as they sought to add a right-shot offensive defenseman to their lineup. Early plans are to pair him with Danny DeKeyser, keeping Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericsson intact and leaving the third pair to be determined. With Green and Richards signed, and ball-parking money allotted for restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Teemu Pulkkinen, Tomas Jurco and Landon Ferraro, the Wings will be above the salary cap. They have seven defensemen signed to NHL contracts, and Holland said he still wants to make room for Alexey Marchenko or Xavier Ouellet, though if it doesn't happen, neither needs wires to be sent to the minors. Up front, even discounting Datsyuk, the Wings have 10 forwards under contract, plus four RFAs who are out of waiver exemptions. There's also Dylan Larkin as a possibility to make the team. They will have to move someone, or put Datsyuk on Long-Term Injured Reserve (or maybe Johan Franzen ends up there). There's time to figure it out. "My goal over the summer is to create room," Holland said. "I'll have to trade somebody, but I'm in no rush to do so. Right now we have a lot of depth. We're dealing from a position of strength. We're going to hang onto our young players, and they'll provide us depth." The Wings have addressed their two biggest needs without giving up any of their young talent. It should make for a fun, and competitive, training camp. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Seidel: Wings' culture, history help land Green, Richards Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press Columnist 11:49 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 Will the Detroit Red Wings be able to attract free agents with Jeff Blashill as coach? What is the feeling around the NHL about this organization? Will free agents think the Wings still have a chance to win a Cup? Do other players still think the Wings can win with their aging superstars? Or has that window closed? Some of those questions were dispelled Wednesday when the Wings signed defenseman Mike Green and forward Brad Richards to free-agent deals. "I think it's a great day for the Red Wings today," general manager Ken Holland said. Some believe the Wings have not been able to land free agents recently because of former coach Mike Babcock. I don't know if that is true, but this is good news for the Wings to know that players will come with Blashill as coach. "I obviously don't know too much about him," Green said of Blashill. "I'm fortunate enough to train with Darren Helm. I was talking with him last week, and he had a lot of positive things to say. I know that he was under Babcock for a year, maybe two, I'm not sure. … Everything seemed to flow well. That definitely helped with my decision." And Richards said "I've heard great things" about Blashill. This was a win for the Wings' puck-possession system. It was a win for the Wings' culture and history. And it was a positive that the Wings could add talent without having to trade some of their young, budding players to get it. "It's another classy organization, with a lot of history of players coming here and raving about it and talking about the culture here," Richards said. "I've been fortunate to be in the (Stanley Cup) finals for two years in a row, and I think it gets addicting when you get a taste of it. I just feel this team has a great chance. They were close this year." The Wings were able to fill two of their biggest needs. They got a right-handed-shooting defenseman and a forward who is a Stanley Cup magnet. "We've had a hard time finding a right shot for some reason," Holland said. "We have liked our defense; they have defended good. But they are all lefts." Green will be paired with Danny DeKeyser. Richards will start out as the second center until Pavel Datsyuk recovers from ankle surgery. "They have a lot of young talent, great leadership," Richards said. "I watched their Game 7 this year. They probably should have won that game. They were one game from maybe making a run." This signing comes two years to the day that the Wings signed Stephen Weiss to a disastrous, five-year contract worth $24.5 million. Obviously, that one was a serious whiff, but Holland believes Wednesday was a home run.

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"Both players have high hockey IQ," Holland said. "Great stick skills and the ability to play give-and-go. Play the type of game that we like to build our team." There was an excitement in his voice. And there is excitement around this organization, signs of an encouraging off-season for the Wings. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Wings' prospects McCollum, Miele return to Griffins Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 9:56 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015 The Detroit Red Wings made two signings to restock their farm system. They brought back goaltender Tom McCollum and forward Andy Miele on one-year contracts. Both are signings for the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit's American Hockey League team. McCollum, 25, was the Wings' first-round choice in 2008, but since they were the Stanley Cup champions that year, he was selected 30th overall. He won his first NHL game this past season in a Jan. 18 relief effort at Buffalo. He primarily has spent his time with the Griffins. This past season, he was 19-11-6 with a 2.40 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. He went 9-6 with a 2.55 GAA and .916 save percentage in backstopping the Griffins to the Western Conference finals. Through six seasons with Grand Rapids, McCollum is 88-78-16. He's also a two-time consecutive honoree for contributions to the Grand Rapids community. Detroit native Miele, 27, racked up 70 points in 71 games in 2014-15, best on the Griffins and second overall in the league. Miele, 5-feet-8 and 175 pounds, played for Jeff Blashill — the former Griffins coach promoted to the Detroit job — while Blashill as an assistant coach at Miami (Ohio). Miele won the 2011 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey. ■Development begins: The Wings' annual development camp begins Friday. Campers will undergo testing at Joe Louis Arena today, then leave for Traverse City. Attendees include three recent first-round picks: 2015's Evgeny Svechnikov, 2014's Dylan Larkin and 2013's Anthony Mantha, as well as Tyler Bertuzzi and Andreas Athanasiou, plus invitees Adam and Kevin Lidstrom, sons of Nicklas Lidstrom. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Defenseman Green, center Richards sign with Red Wings Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 12:57 a.m. EDT July 2, 2015 Detroit — The Red Wings opened free agency Wednesday with a bang. The first chip to fall was defenseman Mike Green, who was signed to a three-year contract worth $18 million. Then, the kicker was forward Brad Richards, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million — with the potential to earn another $1 million if the Red Wings win two playoff rounds. "We went into free agency looking to make some moves that would make a big impact on our team and we've added two players that provide real important ingredients," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "Mike is a top-four defenseman who can run a power play and provide offense. In Brad Richards, we've added a hockey player who is a winner with two Stanley Cups. "Both players have high hockey IQs, great stick skills and they have the ability to play give and go and play the type of game we would like to build our team." Green also is the right-handed shot the Red Wings have been searching for, able to provide a jolt of offense from the blue line and quarterback the power play. Richards also provides insurance and depth with the Pavel Datsyuk's uncertainty because of ankle surgery. Both players also fit the Red Wings playing style and strengthen a young roster. "We have a lot of young player who are making a push, they're coming of age," Holland said. "They have a lot of good hockey left and our offseason goal is to be a better team than last year." The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Green has spent his entire 10-year career with the Capitals. Last season, he played 72 games and finished with 45 points (10 goals) and a plus-15 rating. "There were a lot of good memories, some memories I won't forget, but it has kind of slapped me in the face now that it's time to move on," Green said. "I'm excited about getting started with the Red wings and moving forward. "The (Red Wings) style of play was a huge factor in the decision. I enjoy jumping into the play and moving the puck and creating offense from the back end. I know Detroit is a puck moving team and I'm really looking forward to the system they play and trying to fit in the best I can." Richards played 76 games with the Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks last season, netting 37 points (12 goals) and a plus-3 rating. During the playoffs, he played 23 games and scored 14 points (three goals) and was plus-4.

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At 6-foot and 199 pounds, he provides experience and veteran depth in case Datsyuk isn't ready for the start of the season. "I jumped at this," Richards said. "Players talk about the culture here and having been in the finals the last two years it gets addictive. This team has a great chance (of going far). "You hear so many great things about their leadership. I'm excited about joining another great organization." Holland said Richards could start the season as the No. 1 center with Datsyuk out, but likely would settle into the No. 2 role with everyone healthy. "When we're healthy, we'll be able to roll four lines and have three lines that can really provide offense on any given night," Holland said. Holland said coach Jeff Blashill is thinking about pairing Green with Danny DeKeyser, while leaving the Niklas Kronwall-Jonathan Ericsson pairing intact. Kyle Quincey is likely to be paired with Brendan Smith. And then there's Green's right-handed shot. "We've had a hard time finding a right-handed shot for some reason," Holland said. "We like our defense. They played good and defended good. But they're all lefts. It's great to add a defenseman who can provide offense, join the rush and shoots right and gives our team another dimension." Green's signing gives the Red Wings eight defensemen, which means another move is necessary. "We're going to have to make some moves, but that's a good thing," Holland said. "I'd rather deal from a position of strength than weakness." Defensemen Xavier Ouellet and Alexey Marchenko can be sent to Grand Rapids without being exposed to waivers which could alleviate the logjam. Detroit News LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Mike Green is joining the Red Wings on a three-year deal JUL 01, 2015 6:53p ET By David Rogers Roughly one week ago, news broke that Mike Green wouldn’t be returning to the Washington Capitals. Green was ready to test free agency as an unrestricted free agent after skating with the Capitals since 2005-06. Today, he has signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. TSN's Bob McKenzie reports via Twitter: Mike Green is heading DET on a three year deal. Green’s deal is believed to be worth a total of $18 million and will carry an average cap hit of $6 million each season. Green brings an immediate offensive boost to the Red Wings defense. The club has been looking for help on D ever since they lost both Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski to retirement. That’s not to say Green is comparable to either retiree, but he’s a sizable defender who consistently is among the league leaders in offensive production from the blue line. Though Green will be a nice addition for Detroit, he carries his fair share of weaknesses. The Capitals limited his 5-on-5 minutes as they knew he could be a liability when facing the opponents’ top lines. Instead, the Caps opted to use Green extensively with the man advantage in the hopes of capitalizing on his offensive assets. Negatives aside, Green was probably the best defender on the open market who could bring an immediate impact to the team. He won’t shine defensively, but that fact is well known by the Red Wings. foxsports.com LOADED: 07.02.2015

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Bob Duff: Red Wings excited by additions of Mike Green, Brad Richards

By Bob Duff / Windsor Star

July 1 is always a day of celebration for our nation.

There are parades and pageantry and fireworks and some people even think it’s because it’s Canada’s birthday.

For hockey people, the party is all about NHL free agency.

Everyone celebrates when their favourite team lands players they pursue.

Truth be told, free agency isn’t exactly Christmas in July. It’s much closer to a visit to a used car lot.

Maybe you unearth that smooth operating performer that runs like a top. Or perhaps you pay for one that’s always breaking down and perennially in the shop for repairs.

The Detroit Red Wings landed two of the prizes up for grabs Wednesday, signing point-producing defenceman Mike Green and two-time Stanley Cup champion centre Brad Richards.

“I think we added two players today that provide some real important ingredients that we’re looking for,” Detroit general manager Ken Holland said.

“In Mike, a top four defenceman that can run the power play and provide offence. We were looking for a No. 2 centre ice man . . . so in Brad Richards we added a guy that’s a winner with two Stanley Cups.

“Both players have high hockey IQs, great stick stills and the ability to play give-and-go, the type of game we like to build our team.

“A great day for the Red Wings, we’re excited.”

There hasn’t been euphoria like this in Hockeytown since July 1, 2013, when the Wings added Daniel Alfredsson and Stephen Weiss.

As you might recall, those signings led to lunch bag letdown in Detroit.

Alfredsson played well when he played, but ailments kept him on the sideline frequently. He retired after the season.

Weiss proved to be a real lemon – injured for most of his tenure as a Wing, unproductive for much of the brief time he did suit up.

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On Tuesday, the Wings opted to buy out the last three years of his deal.

It’s easy to make a case that Richards will bring a needed element to Detroit. He can be the second-line centre, perhaps finding a similar creative marriage with Tomas Tatar to the one he melded in Chicago this past season with Patrick Kane.

“When we’re all healthy, the thinking is going to be Z (Henrik Zetterberg) and Pav (Datsyuk) together on one line, and Brad centring another line,” Holland said.

Or maybe Richards will be Weiss 2.0.

A year ago, the Rangers bought Richards out of the nine-year, $60-million UFA deal he signed with them in 2011. They still owe him $17.5 million.

He went to the final with the Rangers last season and won this season with Chicago and believes Detroit has the goods to give him a Stanley Cup hat trick.

“I’ve always been a fan of watching Datsyuk and Zetterberg play and I know they may be getting a little older, but they’re still elite players that can lead a team through a deep run,” Richards said

The offensively gifted Green was the last NHL defenceman to record a 30-goal season and he’s the right-hand shot the Wings have coveted for their back end for so long.

“Obviously the style of play was a huge factor in the decision,” Green said. “I enjoy jumping up in the play and moving the puck and creating offence from the back end.

“Detroit’s a puck-moving team.”

But there’s a caveat here as well. There always is with UFAs.

Green isn’t exactly rock solid without the puck. It’s why Detroit coach Jeff Blashill will play him paired alongside the ultra-reliable Danny DeKeyser.

On paper, everything looks rosy for the Red Wings.

And maybe it will be.

The reality with free agency is that reality won’t set in for some time yet.