The Detroit Red Wings are once again trudging on a path of mediocrity that will likely see them miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season. This means that additionally, like last season, they’ll be selling at this year’s trade deadline.

The most likely candidate to be dealt is Defenseman Mike Green, and although he insists he’s not focusing on the rumors, he’s already looking ahead to next season, and stated during All-Star media day that he would prefer to remain wearing the Winged Wheel.

Luke Fox of Sportsnet reports that Green has had no extension talks with the Red Wings, but wants to be back in Detroit next season.

Whether or not the Red Wings entertain the possibility of bringing Green back for next season remains to be seen, although the chief justification would be that he’s been Detroit’s only offensive threats on the blue line. He’s been linked to several teams in the rumors leading up to the deadline, including the Washington Capitals (his former team) and Vegas Golden Knights, where his former GM in Washington George McPhee now works.

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“I do love it here,” Green said. “This organization is great, and they’ve been very good to me. Like I said, I haven’t read too much into it (trade speculation) and I haven’t thought too much about it until it presents itself.” 

In the meantime, Green will enjoy himself with his family as Detroit’s lone representative at this year’s NHL All-Star game in Tampa Bay.

“I’m just going down there and enjoy myself with my family,” he said. “Just take it all in. The whole experience will be fun. (It’s fun) getting to see some familiar faces and getting to know guys personally. Obviously, we see each other pretty frequently during the season, it’ll be good to put some personalities to the faces.” 

This will be his second time as an All-Star; his first time was with the Capitals in 2011 but will be the first that he’ll have a special companion – his two-year-old son, Axel.

          “He’s starting to get it,” said Green, of Axel’s knowledge of his dad’s job. “He enjoys being around the rink now. We’ll bring him down and have some fun.”