NEW YORK Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green realizes that he isn't nece sarily the same player he once waswith the Washington Capitals. Green endured moments of self-actualization as he embarked on hisjourney to Detroit nearly three years ago and it resulted in the former All Startakingona more simplistic approach."I made the game hard on myself when I was younger trying to find that balance like I talk about," Green told Sporting News. "Here, I kind of find a way to make the game easier. Sometimes thats simplifying things and I think here in Detroit Ive been able to find that."NHL Power Rankings: Luis Valbuena Jersey Capitals, Rangers, Devils make major moves while Lightning retain hold on top spotGreen spent the first10 seasons of his career with theCapitals. While in Washington,Green served astheblue line's main source of production. Hetotaled at least 35 points in five seasons and was twice a Norris Trophy runner-up, whileestablishinghimself as one of the game's top offensive defensemen.As he matured, Green's game evolved, as well. His evolution to becomea more complete all-around defenseman took shape afterGreen signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Red Wings in 2015.MIKE GREEN! Green doubles the Fred Lynn Jersey Red Wings lead late! NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) Green adopted the Red Wing's system, one that isn't as offensiveminded,and learned a crucial balance as adefenseman."Theres a certain responsibility on defense that you contribute," Green said."I think Detroit plays very defensively so its taken me a year or two to find where I can find that balance between offense and defense, but youve got to play the system. Youve Garrett Richards Jersey got to play the team game first. Sometimes youve got to bring yourself back a little, offensively."The Calgary native's offensive production dropped ever so slightly withDetroit, but theskillsetremains.Green led Red Wings' defensemenin scoring duringhis first two seasons; andin the final year of his contract, Greenis poised to lead them once again.Greentallied 21points through 34gamesthis season. He ison pace to surpa Cameron Maybin Jersey s hispoint total from a year ago the most herecorded since leaving Washington.Amongdefensementhat are set to become free agents at season's end, Green is one of the marquee names that could be available July 1. Washington's John Carlson is the only defenseman to have the scoringedge on Green. With DetroitforwardsDylan Larkin and Anthony Manthabeginning to take the Red Wings'soffensivereins, and the team mi sing out on last year's playoffs,it's po siblethe Red Wings' priority is to continue with theirrebuild.It all makes the veteran defenseman an idealcandidate to find a new home atFebruary's trade deadline.MORE: Wishful thinking: Howthe 2018 Olympics might have looked with NHL playersGreen'sfocus isn't on what may happen in Februaryor what his future entails. Instead, Green wants Detroit to"stickto our principles and stay the course"asit attempts toend the calendar year with a strong road-trip."I dont think too much that way," Green said."I think Im more short-term in the sense of my day-to-day approach. You know, Im worried about the next four or five months here so whatever transpireswell see but Im focused, right now, on this Dylan Bundy Jersey ."