Rumor: Wings raising the asking price on Green

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green has turned back the clock this season to 2009-10 when he was nearly a point-per-game player for the Washington Capitals. The 32-year-old blue liner has 13 points in 15 games this season so far for the struggling Red Wings and according to The Hockey News’ Jared Clinton he could be a valuable trade chip for the club.

According to Clinton:

It’s not just his scoring ability that makes him the perfect trade candidate, though, it’s that Green, 32, is in the final year of his three-year, $18-million deal while playing for an organization that is shifting to a rebuild mode. So, pair Green’s scoring with his contract status and you have the perfect storm for a tradable asset.

Now, the question is, who will come calling? Several would covet the point producing, minute munching, right-handed defenseman, either as a playoff push rental or as a long-term asset. How about the Edmonton Oilers or Toronto Maple Leafs? Both clubs have been looking to address their issues on the blue line since the offseason. There’s also his former team the Washington Capitals. The Caps are thin on the blue line and Green has a familiarity with that team and how they run their power play, it could be a natural fit.

While it remains to be seen where Green ends up, don’t be surprised if he’s one of the most sought after trade targets before this year’s trade deadline.