Update: The Edmonton Oilers seem to be kicking the tires once again on Mike Green, and this time a deal could happen. The Caps still own the rights to Green until the UFA season begins in July, and they would love to get some value out of his potential departure.
According to Ek, new Oilers coach Todd McLellan really likes Green and he was after the defenseman back in the San Jose days.
This would be a great fit for the Oilers and for Green who hails from Alberta, however, Green's injury history could be a deterrent.
Question is, who or what would the Caps get back in return?
********************************************************************** A few months ago at the trade deadline, the rumors surrounding Caps defenseman Mike Green were plentiful and unclear. The Capitals were on the fence at first about keeping Green and his offensive ability or trading him in the last year of his contract. They opted to hold on to him and make the run into the post-season.
After a disappointing and heartbreaking loss in Game 7 to the Rangers, the Washington Capitals are now, once again, faced with a decision to make - what to do with Mike Green?
During a 30-minute interview with reporters, GM Brian MacLellan (GMBM) offered up some news about their intentions with the offensive defenseman:
"Yeah, sure. I like what Mike Green’s done this year. It’s been a good fit for us. I like our group overall, it’s a good group. I think it’s going to come down to if he’s comfortable with that role and what do you pay for that role going forward."
"That role" that GMBM is referring to is Green's role as a 5th defenseman, one that he played all year. Green fell into the role when the Caps signed defensemen Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik to big, multi-year deals last summer. The upgrade on defense pushed Green to the back of the bus, but it was a role that he relished.
He finished the season with 10 goals and 35 assists in 72 games, with a +15. Not bad for a third string defenseman. Green was still relied upon on the power play and has always been, along with Nick Backstrom, one of the better set-up men for the enigma that is Alex Ovechkin's left-side one-timer.
In 575 career games, all with Washington, Green has 133 goals, 247 assists for 360 points. Any team would drool over those numbers for an offensive defenseman.
However, the playoffs are a different story. In 71 career playoff games, Green has just 9 goals and 35 points and a miserable -15 rating. While the points aren't terrible, the plus/minus stat is a clue as to how Green has played in the post season.
While his offensive numbers might never be the same as they were a few year ago when he scored 31 goals, Mike Green can still deliver - but with whom?
If the Capitals want to hold onto to Green, and GMBM says he will try, they will have to offer him around $2-$3M as the Caps have other big names to re-sign to extensions.
Green says he'd take a home-town discount to stay in Washington. He loves it here and wants to win here.
“My heart is in Washington,… Mike Green said in an interview on March 18th. “It always will be until something else happens. My focus is here. My focus is winning a championship here and giving that to the fans. As an organization, that’s what we want as a team. I’m a part of that until the day I die or retire.…
He could easily pull in $5M from another team like the Edmonton Oilers or Philadelphia Flyers, but Green and the Caps will talk and we'll see what happens before July.
The Capitals could trade his rights if they can't find common ground. He could fetch a decent return at the draft.
The other big question about Green's future with the Caps: Do we still need him?
With Dmitry Orlov ready to go next season, barring another wrist surgery, and young defensemen like Nate Schmidt, Conner Carrick and Cameron Schilling on the cusp of taking the next step, the Capitals are looking deep on the blue line.
John Carlson has stepped up to become an offensive threat (although he drives me nuts on defense) and Matt Niskanen still has the potential to score 40-points. The Capitals could use a little more grit and toughness on the blueline, especially on the third pairing, and replacing Green and his point production probably wouldn't be an issue.
This is just one of a ton of decisions that GMBM has to make this season and it should be very interesting to see what happens come July.
More to come...