Green’s ‘mind always open’ about trade from Wings

Detroit — Petr Mrazek is off to Philadelphia and the next phase in his career. Is Mike Green next?

The veteran defenseman has been the subject of numerous rumors for quite some time now, given he’s an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and could be a sought-after rental before Monday’s trade deadline.

With the Red Wings squarely in selling mode, Green sounded destined Tuesday to be a former Red Wing.

“We’ve had a talk,” said Green, regarding discussion with the front office. Green has a no-trade clause, and can derail a proposed trade to a destination he doesn’t prefer.

“That’s between us, though,” Green said. “We’ll see what happens. As far as right now I’ll be here. I’ll work hard and make sure I contribute.

“Just play hard, work hard, and nothing changes.”

More:Holland looks to Wings' future, deals Mrazek to Flyers

Green missed his third consecutive game Tuesday, dealing with an upper-body injury. Green fully expected to return for Thursday’s game against Buffalo.

“My approach doesn’t change,” Green said. “I just stick to the process. That’s the only thing you can do.”

The question will be whether Green, 32, remains a Red Wings defenseman by Thursday.

2017-18 DETROIT RED WINGS SCHEDULE

Tampa Bay and Washington are two teams who’ve been linked most frequently with Green, a mobile, right-handed shooting defenseman who can quarterback a power play.

General manager Ken Holland made clear Tuesday the Red Wings are looking for draft picks, primarily, in any trade for their veterans.

Green seemed open to the idea of waiving his no-trade clause — as long as it’s a team he believes can be a Stanley Cup contender.

“If it’s brought upon and we have another discussion about it, we’ll have to see,” Green said. “I can’t give a definitive answer. (But) my mind is always open.”

SO LONG, PETE

Tomas Tatar was one of Mrazek’s best friends on the team, and was disappointed to see Mrazek leave.

But, at the same time, Tatar and other Red Wings were glad to see Mrazek get a fresh start in Philadelphia.

“I wished him good luck,” Tatar said. “Obviously, he’ll be missed. He was here a long time. He’s a great guy and we all wish him luck in Philly.

More:Red Wings ‘open for business’ as trade deadline nears

“They have a problem with goalies (two injuries) so he has a chance to do the job there.”

Goaltender Jimmy Howard sat next to Mrazek for several years, and developed a good relationship.

“It sort of came as a surprise, but at the same time, it wasn’t,” Howard said. “Petr is playing really well and I wish him all the best.”

Mrazek was the goaltender for Grand Rapids when the Griffins won the Calder Cup with Blashill as head coach in 2013.

“I called Petr last night and wished him all the best,” Blashill said. “Petr and I have been together a long time. I’m in this chair because of a number of players, and he’s certainly one of them; (he) had a big impact on the success we had in Grand Rapids.

“So, for me personally, I just wanted to make sure I called and thanked him for the effort over the years.”

COREAU EXCITED

The Red Wings recalled goaltender Jared Coreau from Grand Rapids to back up Howard.

Coreau is 13-2-3 with a 1.92 goals-against average and .933 save percentage since Dec. 22 with the Griffins, and was just named American League player of the week.

Holland left open the chance of acquiring a veteran backup for Howard, but Coreau, 26, will certainly get a chance to show he’s ready for the NHL.

“Jared has played real well in Grand Rapids,” Holland said. “It’s a great opportunity for Jared. He’s played real well at the American League level, helped GR win a Calder Cup championship (in 2017).”

Coreau was 5-4-3 with the Red Wings last season when Howard was hurt, with a 3.46 GAA and .887 save percentage.

Coreau found out about Mrazek being traded late Monday and hurried to pack.

“The whole night’s kind of been a blur,” Coreau said. “I got a little bit of sleep and woke up this morning and came over. I called my parents right away — think I woke them up.

“This is a huge opportunity. I still have to earn things; nothing is given. But it’s exciting.”

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

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