The Tampa Bay Times’ Joe Smith discussed whether Mike Green might be a fit for the Tampa Bay Lightning:
A lot of this depends on the price. Red Wings GM Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press he’s looking for assets and to open roster spot for younger players, so a package involving a draft pick and prospect could work.
“I look at every player, whether it’s a rental or has term on their contract, what does it cost?” Yzerman said. “Does it make sense for us?”
In some ways, Green makes sense. He’s a veteran, right-shot defenseman with playoff experience. He’s a very good puck-mover and creator, which would fit into the Lightning’s system. He’d be an upgrade on the right side over Jake Dotchin, whose play has dropped off.
And Green has got a fan in the Lightning coach.
“He’s very cerebral,” Cooper said. “You watched in the All-Star Game, the way he’s scoring, the way he can move the puck, it’s just effortless. He’s somebody that’s been doing it for a long time in this league. He seems to be able to create everywhere he goes. He’s been in the league for a while, but he’s sure a hell of a player still.”
The Lightning doesn’t need much help on the power play, which ranks second in the league at 23.7 percent. That’s been a strength for Green, who has quarterbacked units in Washington and Detroit.
“It’s just the way he sees the ice,” said Lightning wing Ryan Callahan. “You see what he did in Washington. I remember playing against them in the playoffs and he’d tear us apart pretty good when I was in New York. That was his biggest asset, the way he sees the ice and his speed, what he can do with the puck.”