Capitals could have interest in Mike Green

The trade deadline is less than a week away. From the amount of activity we’ve seen from the Red Wings as of late, you’d have never known. It’s been a stale past few months, with little to no discussion involving the Red Wings in the national media. As one would expect for a team this deep in the gutter.

But some gears have started to shift on that front. In the latest 31 Thoughts Podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, the two spent about a minute or so on the Red Wings. The segment starts at the 39:37 mark.

The most interesting bit came from Friedman, who mentioned some possible interest in Mike Green. The Washington Capitals could be looking for a reunion with the former star defenseman.

“The one name I had heard in the past couple of days was Mike Green,” Friedman says. “Someone told me they thought Washington might consider bringing him back … someone said to me Washington might have some interest.”

That is quite interesting to hear. Washington was heavily rumored to be in on Green two years ago when he was a pending unrestricted free agent. Alas, Green sustained an injury right before the deadline and he remained with Detroit. The fit would be tight, as the Capitals are strapped for cash. Friedman later mentioned they could be shopping Nick Jensen in a separate deal, which would help open up the cap space.

Capitals’ GM Brian MacLellan just recently acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon for two second round draft picks. Leaving Washington’s available draft capital with two third round picks, a fourth round pick, a fifth round pick, and a sixth round pick in 2020.

Green is in the final season of a two-year extension he signed back in 2018. He has three goals and 10 points this season and just reached the 500 point milestone on Tuesday.

Also mentioned in the podcast: Friedman believes Luke Glendening would garner some attention of the trade market, but he’s not sure Detroit wants to move the Michigan product. No reference was made to the likes of Andreas Athanasiou, Trevor Daley, Jimmy Howard, or Darren Helm, which may be an indication of what the future holds for them by Monday’s deadline.