The Edmonton Oilers acquired former Capital Mike Green from the Detroit Red Wings for forward Kyle Brodziak and a conditional 2020 fourth-round pick early Sunday morning. The trade deadline deal was meant to give a boost to the Oilers’ defense as the team tries to hold on for dear life to their playoff position. The Oilers are in third place in the Pacific Division, but also three points out of being out of the top eight.
Two games into Green’s tenure, the defenseman is hurt and will most of the month of March with an injury.
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Oilers injury woes continue. I’m told Mike Green will miss some time with lower body injury (my guess is knee). Likely injured it late in Vegas on this collision. pic.twitter.com/uh9CgLM0v7
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) February 28, 2020
Green, wearing number 27 with the Oilers, suffered a sprained MCL after colliding with former Capital Chandler Stephenson. According to the Oilers, Green will miss the next three or four weeks.
“Obviously, I was excited getting an opportunity to play here and play some competitive hockey and going on a bit of a run here and being familiar with Alberta and Oil Country,” Green said after being acquired. “It was an easy decision for me (to waive my no-trade clause).”
He added, “You watch them all year. They’ve played great hockey. A lot of guys are going. They’re getting great goaltending and that’s everything nowadays. For me, it’s a matter of seeing where I fit in here, getting to know the personalities, and the guys in the room as quick as possible and trying to make an impact.”
Green has missed substantial time over the last three seasons, including a battle with a virus that ended his 2018-19 season early. The most games he’s played in a season since the 2017-18 season is 66.
The Capitals were rumored to have interest in Green at the deadline.
Headline photo courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers
