Toronto Maple Leafs: Trade Targeting Veteran Mike Green
It’s time to circle back to a ‘trade targeting’ article for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now, I’ve gathered some names over the past few months, none of which have worked out, but let’s give it another try to improve the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline.
At this point, acquiring any stay at home, minute-munching shutdown defender is an improvement, so everyone should be discussed to some extent.
Even lefties, I know that’s not the first choice, but still.
And I know that Ron Hainsey can play the right side, it’s just that Mike Babcock has been known to have defenders play their natural side, left to left and right to right.
Okay, let’s go over another option and you’ve guessed it, we’re going to talk about Mike Green.
Let’s get to it.
Options
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The 31-year-old veteran is a right-handed shot, standing at 6’1″ and weighing about 207 lb, drafted 29th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft to the Washington Capitals.
He can be a physical presence in front of the net and has proven to be able to put up consistent points as well.
To my amazement when looking up some of his statistics, he had a 76 point campaign during the 2009-10 season with the Capitals.
He came in second in Norris Trophy votes with 62.48% next to the winner, Ducan Keith’s 82.41%.
Green is entering the last year of a three-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings that sees him being paid an average annual value (AAV) of $6 million.
Yes, that’s a pretty big dollar figure.
However, if you take a look at the Red Wings depth chart, you’ll notice that they have a fair amount of right-handed defenseman (six including Green) on their 23 man roster.
Continued
My guess is that they can afford to let one of them go, ideally Green who’s on an expiring contract as mentioned above and take in some forward prospects.
The only thing is that they may dangle him as trade bait later in the season.
After all, Detroit could use some offensive help, especially if this whole Andreas Athanasiou thing doesn’t pan out in their favor.
Package a player or two and a pick, acquire Green and see if they’ll retain some of his salary for this season.
That’s not of major concern (just one season), but it would be better if this whole Joffrey Lupul situation turns around to bite the Leafs.
In the end, I’m not worried about that.