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5 best fits for Mike Green in NHL free agency

By Nick McAdam

DENVER, CO - MARCH 18: Mike Green #25 of the Detroit Red Wings shoots against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on March 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Red Wings 5-1. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 18: Mike Green #25 of the Detroit Red Wings shoots against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on March 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Red Wings 5-1. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Mike Green is set to hit the NHL free agent market on July 1. Who should the defenseman consider signing with?

Mike Green is one of the many NHL players about to hit free agency who has had a decent career in terms of stats, but has never won much to make those numbers worth it. That’s why Green and the other 250 players joining free agency will likely be careful of which club they’re inking their name to.

A late first-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals back in 2004, Green developed into a franchise offensive defenseman. Years went by and more additions came to surround Green and help Washington become a regular postseason team, but everyone knows where that plane landed.

The 32-year-old then joined the Detroit Red Wings at the wrong time. A team that were consistent playoff contenders for over 20 seasons became too focused on that goal instead of contending for the Stanley Cup. Yet again, Green was on a squad that wasn’t winning anything.

A good portion of players hitting the market, like most free-agent cycles, are near or over the age of 30. That of course means that those select players really have to be settled on where they sign next, because it could be their last ride.

That’s exactly the case for Green. However, most players will have some worry even getting a club to become interested in them. Green shouldn’t have to worry at all with his stability in goals and assists season after season.

A true possession defender to hold the puck in the zone while tracking back to collect the puck and start a new rush. Plus, a more beneficial side to having Green on any NHL team is the loads of experience he is now carrying with him.

Teams will be calling for Green on July 1, and there’s no doubt about that. The real question is who he should sign for? Here are five teams that Green should not only consider for the next couple years, but maybe as a landing spot for the rest of his career.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 21: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) leads his team onto the ice before game 6 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning, on May 21, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington D.C. The Caps defeated the Lightning 3-0 (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 21: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) leads his team onto the ice before game 6 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning, on May 21, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington D.C. The Caps defeated the Lightning 3-0 (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Washington Capitals

A return back to his roots for Green wouldn’t be a bad thing, especially considering where the Capitals are right now.

Washington has a good amount of depth to go all the way. They’re constantly running up for the Presidents’ Trophy, making the playoffs and putting up a fight to contend for the Cup. The core is in place, and it’s all about finding different surrounding patterns to put some silverware in D.C.

A big story other than the fact that they could be in the Stanley Cup Finals soon is John Carlson. Carlson has been huge for the Caps this spring and has really emerged from a quiet, productive defender into the top producer from the blueline for the squad.

However, the 28-year-old seems as a guarantee to test free agency this summer with a good amount of teams willing to break the bank to win over his signature. That’s great for Carlson, but it will leave a huge hole at the back for the Caps.

Green might not be able to fill the void that Carlson could potentially leave, but he’d fit right into the offensive defenseman scheme that the Caps have been pushing since contention.

Washington aren’t going to find a franchise replacement immediately to fill for Carlson. The next step to keeping Barry Trotz’s side competitive for the next few years is finding the proper short-term replacements, and Green could be one of those players.

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