Mike Green

Mike Green was a high-scoring defenceman who set franchise records for goals by a defenceman with the Washington Capitals and represented Canada internationally.

Mike Green was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1985. Washington Capitals selected him 29th overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. His career produced 180 goals and 452 assists for 632 career points. He was selected to three All-Star games. He won the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018 — retired by then but as a recent member of the franchise. He finished runner-up for the Norris Trophy twice (2009, 2010). His 2008-09 season produced 31 goals from the defence position — the most by any defenceman since Paul Coffey in 1985-86. He scored 18 power play goals that season — also a record. He was the most offensively dynamic defenceman in the NHL during his peak years, though his defensive limitations restricted his overall evaluation. Injuries — particularly a concussion in 2011-12 and subsequent health issues — reduced his effectiveness after his peak seasons, preventing a career that was tracking toward elite status from sustaining that trajectory.

Green was an offensive-minded defenseman with exceptional skating ability and a booming shot from the point. He possessed strong puck-handling skills and vision, making him effective on power plays and in transition. His ability to join the rush and create scoring chances made him a constant offensive threat.

Green helped redefine the modern offensive defenseman role and was instrumental in Washington's first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

• 2x James Norris Memorial Trophy runner-up
• Olympic gold medal (2010)

Team Career

Team	Period	GP	Goals
Washington Capitals	2005–2019	682	90
Detroit Red Wings	2019–2021	94	10
Edmonton Oilers	2021–2022	46	3
Canada	—	47	5