Holland: Green, Richards will have 'big impact'

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.

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.

MIKE GREEN

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Right

Ht./Wt.: 6-1/207

Birth date: Oct. 12, 1985 (Calgary, Alberta)

Drafted: 1st round (29th overall), by the Capitals in 2004

BRAD RICHARDS

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

Ht./Wt.: 6-1/199

Birth date: May 2, 1980 (Murray Harbor, PEI)

Drafted: 3rd round (64th overall), by the Lightning in 1998