DETROIT - It has been five months since Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green had neck surgery, and the difference is striking.

"It's night and day," Green said. "It's been a long summer recovering, but I feel pretty prepared."

Green will go to New York next week to see the doctor that performed the surgery. He expects to be cleared for contact. He might be limited in training camp, which starts next Friday in Traverse City, but he expects to be ready for the season-opener on Oct. 4.

Green missed seven games after hit from Tampa Bay's Adam Erne on Feb. 15. He wasn't the same when he returned. The injury prevented the Red Wings from trading him at the deadline for a draft pick.

He was finally shut down for the remainder of the season (final nine games) in late March.

"It's just one of those things that was going on for a long time," Green said. "Basically, I was playing not to get hit and you can't play the game effective like that."

Green, who signed a two-year, $10.75 million contract in the off-season, led Detroit defensemen with 33 points.