Capitals re-sign defenceman Green to 3-year extension worth $18.25 million

WASHINGTON – The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenceman Mike Green to a three-year, US$18.25 million contract extension, the club announced Monday.

Green will earn $6 million in 2012-13 and 2013-14 and $6.25 million in 2014-15.

“We are pleased to re-sign Mike Green to a new contract,” Capitals general manager and vice-president George McPhee said in a statement. “Mike is one of the best young defencemen in the National Hockey League and is just entering his prime. He will continue to be a key part of our team moving forward.”

The 26-year-old Calgary native has seen his production drop over two injury-plagued seasons in which he has played just 81 games. He played just 32 games last season due to a groin injury and had three goals and four assists.

The Capitals are gambling Green can get healthy and return to his previous form, which saw him break the 70-point plateau in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. He has reached double digits in goals three times, including a 31-goal season in 2008-09.

Green has collected 251 points (82 goals, 169 assists) and a plus-62 rating in 398 career NHL games, all with Washington.

Green was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (29th overall) of the 2004 NHL draft.