Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
With the Capitals not rumored to be close to a contract extension with Mike Green, his name is reportedly popping up in trade discussions.
In today's edition we'll look at whether the Caps should move Green prior to the deadline, or keep him for the playoffs.
Todd Cordell
I think the Capitals would be absolutely nuts to trade Mike Green.
They're currently in the 2nd Wild Card spot, but are essentially locks to make the playoffs and are only five points out of 1st in the Metropolitan Division.
Due to the depth they have on defense, Green has been able to play on the 3rd pairing, and he has caved in opposing team's lesser players on a nightly basis.
His defense is better than he gets credit for, he's very capable of putting up points in bunches offensively, and I think moving a player as important as Green prior to the deadline for a draft pick sends the wrong message to the team.
And another thing: the Caps possibly not being able to extend Green because they handed a lucrative deal out to Brooks Opik is exactly why some teams need to pay more attention to analytics.
Ryan Wilson Keep him.
This is a super interesting situation. Washington isn't really one of the favorites in the East so I would understand the mentality of moving him while you can get assets but at the same time he is the point guy on the league's best power play.
Green's shot is why Alex Ovechkin is so wide open. The PK unit has to respect Mike Green's ability to shoot the puck. Green is great at selling shot and dishing it to his left. You lose Green and you lose the Capitals most dangerous play. John Carlson can't sell that play like Green can.
Green is also playing decent hockey while being in a more sheltered role at even strength. This one could go either way but I'd keep him.
James Tanner The Capitals should keep him for a Playoff run. I think a shot at the Cup should out-weigh any meager return you get for a pending UFA. Some times I'd disagree with myself, but Washington could easily come out of a weak East and Green could be the difference. I say go for it.
Adam French You have to keep Green and hope you can sign him. You don't bring in a new coach and make promises to contend, just to trade your second best defenseman with no replacement in sight while eyeing potential home ice in the playoffs. The return simply wouldn't be worth it I'd imagine to help keep them competitive. I think the Caps definitely could use a forward if they want to be a real threat in the East (Vermette?), but dealing Green for it doesn't seem like a reality. The East is a strange beast and the Caps could be a dangerous team.
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