Detroit Red Wings' All-Star Mike Green not bothered by trade rumors

Mike Green plans to spend the upcoming NHL All-Star weekend enjoying time with his family, but that’s as far as he admits his thoughts go.

With the Detroit Red Wings seemingly shaping up to be sellers at the NHL trade deadline for a second straight year, Green tops the list of Wings who might move before Feb. 26.

He’s a right-shooting defenseman known for his offensive contributions; that's exactly what a team that sees itself as a Stanley Cup contender likes to add. Green is also in the last year of his contract, enhancing his appeal as potential trade partners don’t have to consider salary cap ramifications past this season.

Such uncertainty is part of an NHL player’s life, and at 32, Green is too experienced to let it affect him.

“I don’t read or know what’s going on,” he said Thursday morning. “I just go day-to-day here. I’m focused on the job here in Detroit.

“I understand completely, but everything is speculation until something happens.”

Green would have to consent to a move because he has a no-trade clause. He said he has not yet been approached by general manager Ken Holland about doing so. Even if Green is moved, he might return in 2018-19 (albeit at a lower salary than his current $6 million). Without him, the Wings have no offense from the back end, and that isn’t likely to change next season unless they win the draft lottery.

“I do love it here,” Green said. “This organization is great and has been very good to me.”

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Green’s good season (5 goals, 21 points in 47 games) earned him a selection to the All-Star Game, which will be played Sunday in Tampa. It’s his second All-Star appearance, but the format has changed since he went in 2011; players now represent their divisions and play a 20-minute, 3-on-3 game. Green anticipated a fun challenge.

“As a player it’s fun, the 3-on-3,” Green said. “I I think actually it creates more defense, to be honest. You have to be aware of where you are at.”

The best part this weekend, though, will be sharing it with his nearly two-year-old son, Axel.

“He’s starting to get it,” Green said. “He enjoys being around the rink now and what not, so we'll bring him down with us and have some fun.”

Injury updates

Darren Helm (right leg) and Justin Abdelkader (groin) both skated in part of the morning skate, and both expect to be ready to play Wednesday against San Jose. Both were injured Jan. 13 at Pittsburgh. In that game, Helm went into the boards awkwardly. “I knew something was bad,” Helm said. “I didn’t realize how bad it was going to be, but I’m pretty lucky it’s not as bad as it could be.” Abdelkader plans to stay in the area during the break and get in a few skates by himself. Trevor Daley (lower body) went on the ice as the morning skate wound down; he's also expected back after the All-Star break.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.