Detroit Red Wings Clips September 5-8, 2015

Transcription

1 Detroit Red Wings Clips September 5-8, 2015 Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Wings prospect Larkin 'nervous,' but eager to make roster PAGE 3 Goalie Joren Van Pottelberghe, a Red Wings prospect, thinks North American game suits him PAGE 5 Red Wings outlook: Henrik Zetterberg looks to bounce back after struggling to score in second half PAGE 7 Mike Green extremely excited' to begin new chapter of his career PAGE 9 Red Wings prospect Chase Pearson looking to add more offense to his game in USHL this season PAGE 11 Zetterberg feels it was time' for Babcock, Wings to part ways PAGE 13 Red Wings must keep captain Henrik Zetterberg fresh PAGE 14 Cleary gets one-year deal to return; not guaranteed a roster spot PAGE 16 After breakout season, what's next for Wings' Tatar? PAGE 17 Mike Green's presence punches up Wings' blue line PAGE 19 Red Wings re-sign Daniel Cleary to 1-year deal PAGE 20 Detroit Red Wings sign Daniel Cleary to one-year deal; could be sent to Grand Rapids PAGE 21 Mike Green joins Detroit Red Wings on the ice, excited to start new chapter in his career PAGE 23 Red Wings outlook: Mike Green's offensive ability, right-handed shot just what this defense needed

2 Wings prospect Larkin 'nervous,' but eager to make roster Detroit Free Press Staff 9:33 p.m. EDT September 7, 2015 Detroit Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin, the team's 2014 first-round draft pick, has a great shot at a roster spot, especially if Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen begin the season on the sideline. "I'm pretty nervous," Larkin told NHL.com. "I was told to come and compete and perform. It's hard to have a mind-set when you don't know what to expect in terms of the workload there and the schedule. You just try to prepare by training properly and getting your sleep." Larkin admitted sleep is particularly important to him. "I have been able to sleep anywhere, anytime since I was born," he said. "I'm pretty lucky that way. If I don't sleep 10 hours the night before a game, it's hard to play. I don't feel as sharp." Larkin, who grew up in Waterford, played one season at Michigan before signing in May. The coaching change from Mike Babcock to Jeff Blashill was a factor in his decision to sign. "That is one of the reasons I decided to sign and leave college," Larkin said. "There is a new coach, and there seems to be some older players who might be on their way out. I think it is a great opportunity for me to learn from them. "Growing up in Detroit, you hear so much about those guys. I have watched Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk my whole life, so to be in the same room as them would be an incredible experience." Training camp will begin Sept. 17 with the team's annual golf tournament at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa before four on-ice practice days Sept at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

3 Goalie Joren Van Pottelberghe, a Red Wings prospect, thinks North American game suits him Brendan Savage bsavage@mlive.com By Brendan Savage bsavage@mlive.com on September 07, 2015 at 6:06 AM, updated September 07, 2015 at 11:41 AM Goaltender Joren Van Pottelberghe has spent his virtually entire life playing hockey in Europe but the Detroit Red Wings prospect thinks he might be best suited for the North American game. The ice surface in North American is smaller than what they use in Europe and Van Pottelberghe enjoyed the change when he took part in the Red Wings development camp this summer in Traverse City. "Actually, I prefer the smaller rink," he said. "In my opinion, it's easy to have a view over the game because it's all together. I prefer to play on the smaller rink. "The rink is smaller here but the practices are the same. The off-ice practices, we do different stuff. That's the difference, I would say." The Red Wings selected Van Pottelberghe in the fourth round (110th overall) of this year's draft. Although he was born in Switzerland and still resides there, he's spent the last six years playing in Sweden and will be back there again this season. Why Sweden? "That's a long story actually," he said. "But the short version is I should work in Switzerland and I didn't want to do that. So, we started to look at where else I could play. "Canada was a little bit too far and then we looked in Sweden and I think I found the perfect club there in Linköping. It's amazing." In 11 games for Linkoping's U18 Elit league team last season, Van Pottelberghe had a 1.89 goals-against average and.924 save percentage. He also played 15 games for Linkoping in the U18 Allsveskan league, posting a 1.25 GAA and.949 save percentage. "I've played there two years now and it's been great," said Van Pottelberghe, who turned 18 in June. "I've developed so much. I think I've improved on every part of my game. Also I have to do everything by myself. I learned to take care of myself and it's been great." Although Van Pottelberghe was born in Switzerland, his parents are actually from Belgium. They moved to Switzerland more than 20 years ago so they could work there as physical therapists. His father, Dirk, operates his own clinic. As a result, Van Pottelberghe speaks four languages English, German, Flemish and a bit of Swedish. 3

4 "Flemish because my parents are from Belgium," he said. "In Switzerland, you talk German. In the south of Switzerland you talk French and Italian. There are quite a few different languages spoken in our country." Van Pottelberghe has represented Swizterland on the international stage the last three years, playing for the country's U16 and U17 teams before suiting up for the U18 team in last year's World Junior Championship. He had a 3.39 GAA and.881 save percentage in seven World Junior game last season. Making the jump to the U20 team for this year's World Juniors is on his radar. "That is a big goal for me this season, definitely," he said. "It's always nice to represent your country. It's a big opportunity and I want to take part in it this year. "It's really good because you play against the best of the nations. You play amazing teams. You play U.S. You play Canada. You play Finland. You play Russia." The 6-foot-2, 187-pound Van Pottelberghe grew up watching retired Swiss goalie Lars Weibel who is from his hometown of Lachen but now is a fan of Montreal's Carey Price and the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist. Although he doesn't play like either one, he enjoys the passion they bring to the ice. "I would say I'm a butterfly goalie," Van Pottelberghe said. "I like to be quick on the pads and I have a good reaction with my hands and my coordination and I think I play well with the stick. I think I have good size for a goalie so that's good." Van Pottelberghe is also familiar with Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard and given the number of Red Wings who have hailed from Europe especially Sweden he knows all about the tradition of the team that drafted him. "I was so happy," said Van Pottelberghe, who was fifth among European goalies in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings last season. "I was jumping all around the apartment. I was back home in Switzerland with my parents. I was so excited. "It's a huge opportunity for me. It's an amazing club to have so big of a history here. Pretty much everyone knows the Red Wings. It's an Original Six team. It's a big history. It's a big team." Michigan Live LOADED:

5 Red Wings outlook: Henrik Zetterberg looks to bounce back after struggling to score in second half Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan on September 07, 2015 at 6:05 AM, updated September 07, 2015 at 6:07 AM Henrik Zetterberg Position: Center/left wing Age: 35 (on Oct. 9) Height/Weight: 6-0/ stats: 77 games, 17 goals, 49 assists, 66 points, minus-6 rating, 32 penalty minutes; (playoffs) seven games, no goals, three assists, three points, minus-4 rating, eight penalty minutes. Career stats: 836 games, 296 goals, 490 assists, 786 points, plus-159 rating, 341 penalty minutes; (playoffs) 132 games, 56 goals, 63 assists, 119 points, plus-38 rating, 75 penalty minutes. Contract status: Six years remaining at a cap hit of $6.083 million in review: Led the team in assists, points and power-play points (28).... Had a season-high four assists at Toronto on Oct Scored overtime goal in 1-0 win over Toronto on Oct Notched sixth career hat trick and equaled season high with four points vs. Buffalo on Jan Scored only two goals in the final 29 regular season games.... Was much more productive at home (11 goals, 42 points, plus-8 in 41 games) than on the road (six goals, 24 points, minus-14 in 36 games).... Moved past Ted Lindsay and Norm Ullman into seventh place on the franchise's career points list.... Led team with 227 shots.... Plus-minus rating was the worst of his career.... Led forwards in ice time (19:07), but it was his lowest average since (18:57).... Went 0 for 4 in shootouts.... Was second on club with 37 takeaways.... Was fifth on team in faceoff percentage (50.8).... Missed four games with a concussion after being punched in the head by Jamie Benn in Dallas on Feb First time in 12-year NHL career that he didn't score a goal in the playoffs, after notching at least one goal in 22 consecutive playoff series dating back to Recipient of the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership qualities and humanitarian contribution to the community outlook: Coming off back surgery in February 2014, Zetterberg put to rest concerns about his health with a strong first half. But he faltered in the second half, a slump that carried into the playoffs. Afterward, he took responsibility, saying he should have scored some goals with the amount of ice time he gets. He didn't blame it on his back. Now he needs to rediscover his scoring touch. That's even more important with Pavel Datsyuk out possibly until November following ankle surgery. 5

6 Coach Jeff Blashill might opt to use Zetterberg and Datsyuk together regularly, as opposed to on and off like Mike Babcock did. But until Datsyuk returns, it appears Zetterberg will play on the wing with Brad Richards and, likely, Justin Abdelkader. Age and injuries have slowed down Zetterberg in recent years, but he's still capable of leading this team in scoring and being a reliable shut-down defender. Key question: What is the best way to utilize Zetterberg, with Datsyuk or on separate lines, and at wing or at center? Michigan Live LOADED:

7 Mike Green extremely excited' to begin new chapter of his career By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 09/07/15, 2:19 PM EDT Updated: 1 min ago DETROIT >> For years the Detroit Red Wings have tried and tried to land a top four, right-handed shooting defenseman through free agency and had no luck doing so. Because of that teams tried to take advantage of their lefty-lefty pairings on the blue line. I know when we would play against the Red Wings, we would try to run plays against their left-handed guys, Mike Green said after an informal practice at Joe Louis Arena. The Wings landed Green, a right-handed defenseman, on the first day of free agency inking him to a three-year deal worth $18 million. Being a right guy, do my best to move the puck and get it into the forwards hands, Green said. That s really all of our goals. It doesn t matter whether you re right or left. Green, who turns 30 on Oct. 12, had spent his entire 10-year career in Washington prior to signing with Detroit. A lot of changes, but all positive, Green said. Obviously a long time in Washington but moving forward here, I m extremely excited to be a part of this group, especially with the history, the leadership here and the recipe to win. Overall it s just a great deal of excitement. My and I wife found a place about two weeks ago and I was fortunate that she came down and sort of did all the moving before I got here, Green added. I m excited to be here. The guys have been very welcoming so I can t wait to get started. Green is a two-time Norris Trophy finalist, awarded annually to the league s top defenseman. The knock on Green throughout his career is he doesn t play hard and isn t air tight defensively, but he will rack up the points. With the Capitals he 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. He s slated to be paired with Danny DeKeyser. Great guy, great skater, moves the puck well, Green said of DeKeyser. Obviously playing against him, I know sort of just by watching him. I haven t paid too close attention to his tendencies, but I m sure I ll get to learn him real quick here. I m really excited to play with him. Great player, outstanding, Green continued. I ve kept an eye on him. I ve actually watched a little bit of tape online, just clips of him. I m excited. 7

8 Green doesn t see it taking long to mesh his style of play with that of DeKeyser. It really depends, said Green, who was given the stall next to Niklas Kronwall. I ve had partners where it s taken us a little bit longer, but mostly with the sort of newcomers or young guys, it takes a little bit longer. But Danny s an experienced guy and I m sure we ll connect right away and be able to sort of be cohesive out there in a short period of time. Green, who had a career high 31 goals in the season, slipped down the Capitals depth chart, falling to a third pairing, after they signed Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik for the season. He averaged just over 19 minutes of ice time, which was the lowest since his first full season in the league, and scored just 10 goals and had 35 assists in 72 games. Really just getting back out and competing, Green said when asked what he s looking forward to the most with the Wings. That s the fun part of the game. It doesn t matter who you re playing against or what, just that competition. That s what I m really looking forward to, just a different style of play. Detroit plays a very puck-possession game and has some incredible players that can make some plays so I m excited to play with these guys. Darren Helm probably knows Green the best since he s worked out with him in the past. I stop in Calgary a couple weeks every summer and jump in with him at his gym and get to train with him, Helm said. He s a great guy, really nice. You don t really know too many people when you go into new teams or new gyms, and he made that transition real easy for me. Hopefully I can help him do that with this team. It was always fun to work out with him and now it s going to be even better having him on our team. Macomb Daily LOADED:

9 Red Wings prospect Chase Pearson looking to add more offense to his game in USHL this season Brendan Savage on September 06, 2015 at 6:06 AM A strong second half to the season in Youngstown of the USHL has Detroit Red Wings prospect Chase Pearson expecting even bigger things during his final year of junior hockey. As a rookie in the USHL last season, Pearson had 12 goals and 14 assists in 57 games and vaulted from 170th at midseason to 123rd on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings. After finishing ninth among Youngstown's scorers last season, Pearson will be expected to assume an even larger role as one of three Phantoms who were selected in this year's NHL draft. He helped the Phantoms set a USHL record with 17 straight victories and is one of 10 players returning from a team that won the regular-season championship. "I think the second half of the season, I came on stronger than in the first half," said Pearson, who turned 18 last month. "I was getting a little bit more ice time and I think that helped me produce more offensively, which I need to do (this) year. "Obviously, something I need to work on is finishing and being able to put up more points." That's something the Red Wings are counting on after making Pearson their fifth-round pick (140th overall) in this year's NHL draft. There are several things to like about Pearson. He's got good size at 6-foot-2, 189 pounds. He plays with a bit of an edge as evidenced by his 96 penalty minutes third on the team last season. And he has good bloodlines as his father Scott was the sixth overall pick by Toronto in the 1988 NHL draft before playing 292 games in 10 seasons. This will be Pearson's final USHL season before he begins his college career in at the University of Maine. The Red Wings hope he'll develop into a dependable twoway forward by the time he turns pro. "I'll probably have a bigger role than I did last year, coming back as a veteran, and I think that will help me develop more and come into college ready," Pearson said. "I took on a defensive role last year. I was able to bring out that side of my game in the defensive zone. I think I flourished. "I played more of a shut-down role. That helped me (become) a two-way forward who can put some points up on the board and play in the defensive zone." 9

10 In addition to becoming more of a force offensively, Pearson wants to improve his skating ability before heading to college, where one of his teammates will be fellow Red Wings prospect Patrick Holway. "The first couple strides out of the gate (from) a standstill are something I need to work on," he said. "But that comes with off-season training and getting more explosiveness in your legs. That can always be improved. Once he gets to college, Pearson isn't sure how long he'll stay there. His ultimate goal is to follow his dad into the NHL and if pro hockey calls before he's finished with college, it will be hard to say no. "It depends," he said. "Obviously, a degree would be nice but if Detroit thinks I'm ready to come play, my dream is to play in the NHL. So I would leave early and then finish my schooling. "It was awesome being drafted by such a prestigious organization. Original Six. Established. It was an honor for me. Detroit is a great city and hopefully I'll be there soon." Michigan Live LOADED:

11 Zetterberg feels it was time' for Babcock, Wings to part ways By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 09/06/15, 4:51 PM EDT Updated: 8 secs ago DETROIT >> Sometimes change is necessary. And that s just how Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg views the departure of Mike Babcock to the Toronto Maple Leafs. I want to thank Mike for the time he had here but I think both him and us probably decided it was time, Zetterberg said after an informal skate at Joe Louis Arena with a handful of teammates. After 10 seasons behind the Wings bench where he led the team to the playoffs every season Babcock landed an eight-year, $50 million deal with Toronto. I kind of figured that he was moving on and obviously the media attention all along was big, but for us players who weren t playing we re kind of on vacation already, Zetterberg said. We didn t really get that effect of it but I heard from the guys who were around here still that it was a big deal. The team promoted Jeff Blashill, who had spent the last three seasons in Grand Rapids after one season as Babcock s assistant in Detroit. I think he has a lot of knowledge, Zetterberg said of Blashill. When he was here last time he was really fresh. I think the time he spent in Grand Rapids was really good. He did a tremendous job down there with the kids and you ve been seeing the product of him, when you see players like come up like Gus (Nyquist) and (Tomas) Tatar and (Riley) Sheahan and (Luke) Glendening. There are so many guys that went through playing for him and won the Calder Cup with him, so we re excited and just want to get it going. The Wings also added through free agency defenseman Mike Green, a right-handed, power-play specialist, and another veteran presence in Brad Richards, who has his name on the Stanley Cup twice the last of which came last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Green is a right-handed shot, plays a lot on the power play, plays a lot of minutes and did a real good job in Washington, Zetterberg said. It s kind of the defenseman we didn t have, so it s a nice addition for us. Also, Richards has been around for a long time, knows what it takes to go all the way and win and it s going to be nice to have a veteran presence in the locker room. There are a lot of guys in here who ve been through the same stuff for many years, Zetterberg continued. I think now with the new additions of Green and Richards, and the new coach, it s given us a little fresh start. Obviously it s going to be a different voice behind the bench and sometimes you need that. 11

12 Zetterberg also welcomed a new addition over the summer when his Emma gave birth to their first child, son Love, on Aug. 20. First of all, we spent most of the summer in Detroit, Zetterberg said. It was the first time we did that. We really enjoyed it. Obviously we were a little nervous when it got a little closer but everything went well. Both Love and Emma are doing well. As for the choice of first name, We knew if it was going to be a boy that Love was going to be the name early, Zetterberg said. It s an old Swedish name and kind of getting popular again. (I) understand the confusion if you see the spelling in an American way, but you pronounce it LOO-vee over here and in Swedish it s LOO-vay. Zetterberg didn t finish the season the way he had hoped being held scoreless in the first round, seven-game series with Tampa Bay. That had never occurred in each of his previous 21 series. Zetterberg, who had 17 goals and 49 assists in the regular season, had three assists in the series. He also struggled down the stretch scoring just two goals in his last 35 games. Macomb Daily LOADED:

13 Red Wings must keep captain Henrik Zetterberg fresh Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 8:23 p.m. EDT September 5, 2015 Deep into the NHL off-season, Helene St. James takes a look at individual Red Wings and assesses expectations for the coming season. Today's focal point: Forward Henrik Zetterberg. Looking at production: 17 goals, 49 assists, 66 points in 77 games; three assists in seven playoff games. Looking at money: Signed through with an annual salary cap hit of $6.1 million. Actual salary next season is $7.5 million. Looking back: The best aspect of Zetterberg's was that there were no aftereffects from the back problems and eventual surgery that derailed him the previous season. He missed four games with a head injury (after being elbowed and punched in the head by Dallas' Jamie Benn) and used the last game to rest. Zetterberg was a workhorse last fall, carrying a heavy load as Pavel Datsyuk was sidelined by injury. Zetterberg led the team in scoring, but his numbers were very plebeian down the stretch, with just two goals after Jan. 27. He had assists in Games 3, 4 and 5 of the playoffs, and looked worn down. Looking ahead: It's already expected that Datsyuk's off-season surgery will sideline him till November, but the arrival of veteran center Brad Richards, plus the possibility that prospect Dylan Larkin makes a case to be in Detroit, should lighten Zetterberg's load this October. It should be a priority to keep Zetterberg from being worn down he's such a tremendous two-way player, but he'll celebrate his 35th birthday the night of the season opener (Oct. 9) and he's got a lot of miles on him. The Wings need Zetterberg his production and his leadership to be successful in the playoffs, so the more the younger generation can step up and lighten his burden, especially during the regular season, the better all around. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

14 Cleary gets one-year deal to return; not guaranteed a roster spot By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily DETROIT >> Dan Cleary is back with the Detroit Red Wings. Cleary signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $950,000 on Friday. He had a goal and an assist in 17 regular season games last season and was a minus- 4. He didn t appear in the seven-game playoff series with Tampa Bay. Cleary is not guaranteed a spot on the roster. He ll have to earn it. He provides depth and obviously leadership, Wings general manager Ken Holland said. He will go to Grand Rapids if he doesn t earn a roster spot. He understands the competition he s in with our younger players in the organization, Holland continued. I think a year, year and half ago we made the decision to go with younger players. Many of those players met or exceeded our expectations at that time. The one-year deal for all intense and purposes was done out of loyalty to Cleary and won t affect the roster or salary-cap. The Wings won t have to waive or trade a player it ordinarily would not have moved by signing the 36-year-old forward. And if he s assigned to Grand Rapids his salary won t count towards the salary cap. Like anybody, he s got to come in and make the team, Holland reiterated. He understands it s going to be a very competitive camp. The move also doesn t affect the Wings 50-contract limit. They re at 49 with Cleary, but will dip to 48 once this year s third-round pick, Vili Saarijarvi, is loaned back to the Ontario Hockey League s Flint Firebirds. Prior to signing Cleary, who had a base salary of $1.5 million last season and reached a $1 million bonus for playing 10 games, the Wings had 24 players projected to make the team out of training camp, which was already one over the roster limit. Fifteen of those players are forwards. They were also close to $1 million over the salary cap according to hockeyscap.com. Detroit does have some wiggle room with the uncertain health of Johan Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk to begin the season. Franzen has been taking part in informal practices at Joe Louis Arena, but has yet to receive medical clearance from his latest concussion last season. Datsyuk is still recovering from ankle surgery and isn t expected to be ready to start the season. Both players could start the year on long-term injured reserve, which would clear two roster spots and provide salary-cap relief. 14

15 When we signed him in 05 it took him time before he became a real leader on or team and in our locker room, Holland said. Cleary earned a roster spot during a tryout in training camp in In 10 seasons he has 124 goals and 141 assists in 609 games. He was on the 2008 Stanley Cup team and has 23 goals and 26 assists in 111 playoff games. He was a good two-way player, Holland said. As Father Time marches on you re not quite the player you were. He provides leadership. Macomb Daily LOADED:

16 After breakout season, what's next for Wings' Tatar? Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 9:14 a.m. EDT September 4, 2015 Deep into the NHL off-season, Helene St. James takes a look at individual Detroit Red Wings and assesses expectations for the coming season. Today's focal point: Forward Tomas Tatar. Looking at production: 29 goals, 27 assists, 56 points in 82 games; 3 goals, 1 assist in seven playoff games. Looking at money: Signed through , with a salary cap hit of $2.75 million. Looking back: Tatar, 24, showed his mettle when he finished his second NHL season with 10 more goals and 17 more points than his rookie outing. He's high-value entertainment, not the least because he plays much bigger than his smallish stature (generously listed at 5-feet-10), doggedly going to the net and into hard places. Perhaps most encouraging last season, Tatar shed an invisible five-game playoff debut in 2014 by tying Pavel Datsyuk with a team-high three playoff goals. Looking ahead: Once Datsyuk (ankle surgery) is healthy and, presumably, on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader --with a second line likely consisting of Gustav Nyquist, Brad Richards and Darren Helm -- Tatar could find himself on the third line (plus power-play minutes). In theory, that should give Tatar plenty of open space and, in turn, give the Wings a considerable third-line punch. If not, Tatar has proved he can handle being a top-six forward and is capable of being, at the very least, a 20-goal scorer. He's a great locker room guy, too, because of his aura of irrepressible delight. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

17 Mike Green's presence punches up Wings' blue line Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News 11:17 p.m. EDT September 4, 2015 Detroit Mike Green stands out on the ice. A right-handed defenseman, deftly controlling a loose puck in front of his net and, in a blink, turning and moving up ice. A quick outlet pass up the right wing, and the opposition at the informal practice at Joe Louis Arena was hard-pressed in the sudden transition. Red Wings hockey, for sure. But in most respects it has been since Brian Rafalski left in at the end the season in 2011 since the Red Wings have had a righty on the blue line as offensively minded and skilled as Green. The guys have been very welcoming this morning, said the 6-foot-1, 207-pound native of Calgary, Alberta, who flew in on Thursday night after he and his wife found a home two weeks ago. Moving forward here I m extremely excited to be part of this group, especially with the history, the leadership here and, you know, the recipe to win. Acquired with the center Brad Richards in the biggest summer free agent spree in several seasons for the Wings, Green, 29, played 10 seasons for the Capitals, compiling 360 points (113 goals, 247 assists) in 575 games. In 71 playoff games, he has 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) Last season, Green tied Kris Letang of the Penguins for first in multi-assist games with 10. He was fourth in multi-point games among defensemen (14) and seventh in assists with 21. It was the fourth time he recorded 30 assists. He was runner-up for the Norris Trophy in 2009 and 2010 before injuries held him under 48 games played three seasons in a row. At times, coaches have complained about his defense. But the Wings hope that by pairing him with the reliable Danny DeKeyser will help. As for the Red Wings' long need, frequently stated by former coach Mike Babcock, for a right-handed defenseman, Green said he knows all about it. The Capitals tried to exploit it, he said. I know they haven t had too many in the recent past, and I know when we played against the Red Wings we tried to run plays against their left-handed guys, he said. Helm healthy Darren Helm says he is in fine shape and raring to go. He liked the summer, relaxing away from the game. And he said he benefitted greatly from little need to rehabilitate any injury for once. 17

18 Last two years, I ve been doing a little bit of rehab and a little light lifting, he said. And this year I was able to do the heavy lifting and the training the way the other guys do, and at the same time being smart with what I need to do. I think I m in better shape than I have been in previous years. The last couple were just getting to where I need to be to play, and this year I feel I m in much better shape than that. Last season, Helm played in 75 games with 15 goals, a career high, and 18 assists. The harder you train, it feels like the better you feel in camp. That s the fresh start you need for the season, so I m looking forward to a good camp. Seasoned Tatar Tomas Tatar said another season of experience and a good off-season of conditioning could add up to some improvement, after the most impressive season of his career. I tried some new stuff with my strength coach, Tatar said. And we ll see how it s going to work for me. In 82 games, he scored 29 goals and provided 27 assists. You re just gaining more experience, every year, the 24-year-old native of Slovakia. Some of the parts of the season last year when I struggled. So, I know how hard it is at that time. Now, whenever it happens, hopefully I know how to react and just try to put it behind me and focus on the next game. That s why those guys like Hank and Paver are so strong, they ve been in the league so long and they do it right every day. Detroit News LOADED:

19 Red Wings re-sign Daniel Cleary to 1-year deal Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News 6:16 p.m. EDT September 4, 2015 General manager Ken Holland announced what is bound to be a controversial signing, for some fans. Veteran Daniel Cleary inked a one-year deal, reportedly for $950,000. Cleary, 36, played only 17 games last year, and tallied a goal and an assist. He has not played more than 52 games since 2012, when he scored four goals and added four assists. Given the roster and Holland saying he will not lose a young prospect, if Cleary does not make the team from camp, he could be waived. Detroit News LOADED:

20 Detroit Red Wings sign Daniel Cleary to one-year deal; could be sent to Grand Rapids Ansar Khan on September 04, 2015 at 5:25 PM, updated September 04, 2015 at 9:52 PM DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Daniel Cleary to a one-year contract. It's a one-way deal worth $950,000. If Cleary, 36, doesn't earn a spot on the NHL roster, he will be waived and assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. In that case, his entire salary would come off the cap. "Like anybody, he's got to come in and make the team," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He understands the competition he's in with our younger players. He understands it's going to be a very competitive camp." M-Live reported on the likelihood of this signing last week. It essentially was done out of loyalty to Cleary and will not affect the Red Wings' roster or salary-cap situation. It won't force the club to waive or trade a player it ordinarily would not have moved. The Red Wings, when healthy, would be slightly over the cap and have 15 forwards -- one more than they intend to carry -- not including Cleary. But Pavel Datsyuk, coming off ankle surgery, isn't expected to be ready until late October or November and Johan Franzen's status is uncertain due to his latest concussion. If Datsyuk and Franzen aren't ready for the start of the season the Red Wings might opt to keep Cleary on their roster as the 14th forward, rather than retain a player who is waiver-exempt and could be playing regularly for the Griffins. Holland said the Red Wings remain under the 50-contract limit. They're at 49 and will be down to 48 once Vili Saarijarvi, their third-round pick this year, is loaned to his junior club, the OHL's Flint Firebirds. Cleary had one goal and one assist in 17 games with the Red Wings in Cleary earned a roster spot during a tryout in training camp with Detroit in In 10 seasons with the Red Wings, he's collected 124 goals and 265 points in 609 games. He has appeared in 111 playoff games for the Red Wings, picking up 23 goals and 49 points and was part of the 2008 Stanley Cup championship team. "He provides depth," Holland said. "When we signed him in '05 in time he became a real leader on or team and in our locker room. He was a good two-way player. As Father Time marches on you're not quite the player you were. He provides leadership." Michigan Live LOADED:

21 Mike Green joins Detroit Red Wings on the ice, excited to start new chapter in his career Ansar Khan on September 04, 2015 at 2:30 PM, updated September 04, 2015 at 2:39 PM DETROIT After wearing the star-studded red, white and blue Washington Capitals sweater his entire 10-year NHL career, Mike Green donned a practice jersey with the iconic Detroit Red Wings logo for the first time on Friday. And he felt right at home. Green arrived in town late Thursday night after he and his wife found a place two weeks ago. He greeted his new coach, Jeff Blashill, and skated with many of his new teammates at Joe Louis Arena as they prepare for training camp in two weeks. "The guys have been very welcoming this morning, so I can't wait to get started," Green said. The Red Wings, who for several years had been seeking a right-shooting, offensive defenseman, signed Green to a three-year, $18 million contract on July 1. Leaving the nation's capital is a big change for Green, who turns 30 on Oct. 12, but it's all positive, he said. "A long time in Washington but moving forward here I'm extremely excited to be a part of this group, especially with the history, the leadership here, the recipe to win," Green said. "Overall, just a great deal of excitement. "It's obviously a different environment and atmosphere and energy than previous years. Takes a little bit to find your bearings. My goal is to try to fit in as quick as possible and get to know everybody. It's been a good first day." He was given the locker stall next to Niklas Kronwall's. "He's taking care of me here, just showing me the ropes," Green said. Blashill said after the signing that Green would be paired with the defensive-minded Danny DeKeyser, who didn't skate Friday. But they'll have ample time to get accustomed to each other before the regular season opens Oct. 9 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. "Great guy, great skater, moves the puck well," Green said. "Obviously, playing against him, I know sort of just by watching him. I haven't paid too close attention to his tendencies, but I'm sure I'll get to learn him real quick. I'm really excited to play with him. I've kept an eye on him. I've actually watched a little bit of tape online, just clips of him. "Danny's an experienced guy and I'm sure we'll connect right away and be able to sort of be cohesive out there in a short period of time." As the only right-shot defenseman projected to be on the season-opening roster (one of just three right shots on the team), Green knows he fills a vital role. 21

22 "I guess they haven't had too many in the past," Green said. "I know that when we would play against the Red Wings, we would try to run plays against their left-handed guys. Being a right guy, I'll do my best to move the puck and get it into the forwards' hands." He said he's looking forward to playing a different style of game. "I think Detroit, they play a very puck-possession game and have some incredible players that can make some plays so I'm excited to play with these guys," Green said. "Detroit was always a tough team to play against, especially as a defenseman. They have some skill up front and they're very dangerous." The Red Wings will be more dangerous offensively from the blue line. "It's going to be exciting, another weapon on the back for us, a guy who can shoot, pass, skate really well, make plays," forward Darren Helm said. "It's going to be fun watching him on the PP for sure." Helm is the only Red Wing Green knows a little bit, from training in Calgary, Green's hometown. "I stop in Calgary a couple weeks every summer and jump in with him at his gym and get to train with him," Helm said. "He's a great guy, really nice. You don't really know too many people when you go into new teams or new gyms, and he made that transition real easy for me. Hopefully I can help him do that with this team. It was always fun to work out with him and now it's going to be even better having him on our team." Michigan Live LOADED:

23 Red Wings outlook: Mike Green's offensive ability, right-handed shot just what this defense needed Ansar Khan on September 04, 2015 at 6:05 AM, updated September 04, 2015 at 10:21 AM Mike Green Position: defense. Age: 29 Height/Weight: 6-1/ stats: 72 games, 10 goals, 35 assists, 45 points, plus-15 rating, 34 penalty minutes; (playoffs)14 games, no goals, two assists, two points, minus-1 rating, 14 penalty minutes. Career stats: 575 games, 113 goals, 247 assists, 360 points, plus-58 rating, 416 penalty minutes; (playoffs) 71 games, nine goals, 26 assists, 35 points, minus-2 rating, 75 penalty minutes. Contract status: Three years at a salary-cap hit of $6 million in review: Second among Washington's defensemen in goals, assists and points.... Led the Capitals' defense and third overall on the team in power-play points (17).... Second among Washington's defensemen and third on the team in shots (159).... Fifth among Capitals defensemen in average ice time (19:06), more than three minutes per game less than he averaged the year before and his lowest average since , his first full year in the league.... First among the team's defensemen in average power-play time (2:45).... Tied for first among NHL defensemen (with Pittsburgh's Kris Letang) in multi-assist games (10) and fourth in multi-point games (14).... One power-play goal was his lowest output since his first full NHL season in (none).... Has scored 16 power-play goals in the past five seasons, after collecting 36 in the three previous seasons.... Went from a career-worst minus-16 rating to a plus-15, which led the team.... Cut penalty minutes nearly in half (from 64 to 34).... Missed 10 games due to injuries, including seven from Nov. 26-Dec. 9 (upper body) outlook: The Red Wings filled their biggest need of the past couple of seasons by signing this right-handed shooting offensive defenseman. He'll provide a much-needed scoring boost to a blue line that has relied essentially on Niklas Kronwall as its lone offensive threat. Green is a good skater who will frequently join the rush and has a terrific wrist shot. He'll also quarterback the top power-play unit. Green has defensive deficiencies, which is why coach Jeff Blashill intends to pair him with Danny DeKeyser, who should help erase some of his mistakes. The other concern regarding Green is his durability, as he's been injury-prone in recent seasons. Key question: How big an offensive boost will the Red Wings' defense get with Green? Michigan Live LOADED: