Next year could be a pure contract season for Capitals defenseman Mike Green. After a second straight campaign was marred by injury — last year a pair of concussions, this year an abdominal tear — Green is a restricted free agent again. That’s because the four-year, $21 million contract he signed after the 2008 season has expired. Washington must offer Green a qualifying offer of at least $5 million next month to retain his rights. His salary-cap hit last year was $5.25 million.
A one-year deal makes the most sense for both sides. The Caps have to wonder whether they ever will see the two-time 70-plus point defenseman who lit up the NHL between 2007-08 and 2009-10. He had 205 points during that stretch. The last two years? Just 31 points in 81 games. Green might chance that he will stay healthy and have a monster 2012-13. That would dovetail perfectly with him becoming an unrestricted free agent the following summer.
“I love it here. This is a great organization, a great city, and I believe that we’re going to win a Cup here, and I want to be a part of it,” Green said.
– Brian McNally
