The 34-year-old goalie, who was an unrestricted free agent, was 16-9-4 with a 2.74 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in 31 games (29 starts) with the New York Islanders last season, and 2-2 with a 2.02 GAA and .929 save percentage in four Stanley Cup Playoff games (three starts).
"I think they have a very good future," Greiss said of the Red Wings. "I trust (general manager) Steve Yzerman that he is going to do a great job and it's just an opportunity to play a lot there. I'm looking forward to joining the team there."
Selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round (No. 94) of the 2004 NHL Draft, Greiss is 137-90-28 with a 2.63 GAA, a .915 save percentage and 13 shutouts in 282 games (250 starts) with the Sharks, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Islanders. He is 7-8 with a 2.43 GAA and .922 save percentage in 17 games (14 starts) in the playoffs.
Greiss said he hopes his experience can help Detroit improve. It hasn't qualified for the playoffs the past four seasons.
"I've been in the League for a number of years now," he said. "I've played on different teams with different outlooks and different successes. I know how to navigate a long season. I'll just be there for the young guys and help the guys be as successful as we can.
"It's a different outlook coming from the Islanders, but we had some tough times there too. I know that experience, but I'm looking forward to a new challenge, new environment, and I'm just looking forward to a new team and to try to get as many wins as we can."
The Red Wings also agreed to terms with Troy Stecher on a two-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The 26-year-old defenseman scored 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 69 games for the Vancouver Canucks last season and three points (two goals, one assist) in 17 postseason games. He has scored 75 points (11 goals, 64 assists) in 286 NHL games, all with the Canucks.
"At the end of the day, there's a light at the end of the tunnel," Stecher said of joining Detroit, "and you have to stay focused on what your process is and what your goals are. I think the biggest thing is understanding that it won't happen overnight. There is a process to getting there."
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report
