"A big part was Yzerman, his personality and what he's achieved in the past," Greiss said to Johnston. "I had a long phone call with him after (I signed). It was a very positive call and I look forward to working with him more. He's achieved great things in the past in his playing career and his GM career, and I'm looking forward to the season."
The free agent was signed to replace veteran goaltender Jimmy Howard, who played for the Red Wings since 2005. Greiss will battle for the No. 1 goalie spot with Jonathan Bernier, who emerged as Detroit's starter last season amid Howard's struggles.
Greiss had several other suiters seeking his services in free agency, but he chose Detroit because of Yzerman, as well as familiarity with former Islanders teammates Frans Nielsen and Valtteri Filippula and simply an opportunity to play in Hockeytown.
"(It's) a great hockey city, a great organization that treats people well, very professional in every regard," Greiss said about Detroit in a Zoom press conference when he signed. "I'm just looking forward to being in a real hockey city. I've played in the desert (and different markets) and just looking forward to being in a real hockey city."
And while Greiss is a proven NHL commodity, being a tremendous hockey player is only one aspect of his exceptional life.
Along with hockey, Greiss grew up playing soccer and was an avid mountain biker and skier. He continues his love for mountain biking today, going on an annual trip every summer with friends to places like Whistler in Vancouver, Canada, as well as destinations in South America and Europe.
"Growing up in Germany, I rode my bike ever since I could walk," said Greiss, who highlights several of his mountain biking excursions on his Instagram page. "My dad is 80 now and he still rides his bike every day. My mom also. Just growing up in the environment got me into it and now every summer, pretty much, I go on a bike trip somewhere."
Greiss and his wife, Brittany, also have a passion for animals and the military. The couple is sponsoring and training a puppy named Vaughn, in partnership with America's VetDogs, which is a non-profit organization that provides service dogs for veterans or first responders with disabilities.
"It's a great program, helping out veterans with service dogs," said Greiss, who also has two dogs of his own. "They're very well trained and just great friends to have around. They do an amazing job of helping out those people."
The extended break due to the COVID-19 pandemic has given Greiss unprecedented extra quality time to spend with his wife and his 5-year-old daughter, doing the things he loves to do off the ice.
"Sometimes during the season, you don't get to spend very much time with them, so this longer break has been nice, just spending time with the family," he said. "Especially with my daughter being 5, she's still running to daddy. I'm sure it'll change once she grows up, but right now, it's a great time to have a little kid and be able to play with her."
And while he's definitely enjoyed his time off, Greiss is chomping at the bit to get back on the ice and start a new adventure with the Red Wings.
"For sure, the sooner, the better," Greiss said when asked if he's ready for the season to start. "I'm here early skating with the guys. I met a bunch of guys. I'm excited to get going."
Greiss said he hopes his veteran presence and experience can help the young Red Wings roster speed up the rebuild in Detroit and return the club to prominence sooner than later.
"It's a different outlook, coming from the Islanders, but we had some tough times there, too," Greiss said. "I've been in a bunch of different positions with great teams, with not so good teams. I have a lot of experience both ways. I'm looking forward for a new challenge and new environment, new team and playing hockey."
