Mike Green returns to Red Wings on two-year deal

Detroit — The Red Wings are bringing back Mike Green.

The veteran defensemen is expected to forego unrestricted free agency and remain with the Wings on a 2-year contract worth $10.75 million (a $5.375 salary cap hit per year).

Green, 33, had 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists) in 66 games last season. He is proficient on the power play, and were Green to leave, the Wings don’t have anyone readily available to replace him.

One concern is Green’s season ended in late March because he needed neck surgery. But all indications are the surgery went well, and Green is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September.

With the start of unrestricted free agency Sunday, the Wings are also on the verge of adding goaltender Jonathan Bernier.

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In Colorado last season, Bernier, 29, was 19-13-3 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.

Bernier is expected to sign with the Wings for three years, at $3 million per season ($9 million total).

The Wings would also like to add a veteran forward in free agency. 

Thomas Vanek and Valtteri Filppula, both of whom have played in the organization, have been linked to the Wings.