Capitals sign D Green to four-year deal

Jul 1, 2008 - 2:09 PM ARLINGTON, Virginia (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals on Tuesday signed defenseman Mike Green to a four-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but TSN of Canada reported that the deal is worth $21 million.

Green, 22, led all NHL defensemen with 18 goals last year, his second full season in the league. He became the youngest player to lead all defensemen in goals since Hall of Famer Paul Coffey in 1981-82.

One of four Capitals to play in every game, Green finished first among Washington defensemen, third on the team and seventh among NHL blue-liners with 56 points. He also finished seventh in voting for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman.

"Mike has developed into an impact defenseman in the short time since we drafted him, and he will be a key part of our team moving forward," Capitals general manager George McPhee said. "We look forward to his further contributions as we continue to improve the hockey club."

A 6-2, 201-pound native of Calgary, Green excelled under head coach Bruce Boudreau, recording 15 goals and 49 points in 61 games after Boudreau was hired on November 22. The Capitals were 11-4-0 when Green scored a goal and 28-7-2 when he recorded a point.