The injury to Mike Green is not a good one for the Detroit Red Wings. However, long-term, it could be a good thing.
One of the most puzzling moves this offseason was the Detroit Red Wings signing defenseman Mike Green. Now, he’s a perfectly fine defenseman. But not one who should be playing top pairing minutes, which is precisely what Green has gotten recently with the Red Wings.
The Wings got some unfortunate news recently. It turns out Green is having some fatigue issues and will miss part of the regular season. There is no timetable for his return. It is suspected Green has a virus of some kind. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland noted he was “lacking energy”.
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Back when he was with the Washington Capitals, he had some issues regarding an iron deficiency. Now, Green’s lack of energy could be due to any number of things. But it’s worth noting one of the key symptoms for iron deficiency is feeling tired.
Green’s injury leaves the Red Wings without their de facto number one defenseman. He led Detroit in average ice time per game at even strength (19:35) and all situations (22:05). Despite missing 16 games, Green was still their fourth-most used defenseman as far as total time on ice.
Losing your top defenseman is never a good thing. And it remains to be seen precisely when Red Wings fans will see Green on the ice again. But his injury could be a blessing in disguise. One of the big reasons the Red Wings signing Green was baffling was the lack of spots available for their young defensemen.
Suddenly, Detroit has an extra spot available. 2016 first-round pick Dennis Cholowski could get an extended look in the NHL. He’s probably not NHL ready yet, but the Red Wings could get him some much-needed experience.
Libor Sulak could get a chance as well. He’s coming off an especially impressive season overseas. Though this is merely Sulak’s first season in North America, he has been drawing attention from the Red Wings.
Filip Hronek, who put up 39 points in 67 games in his first North American season with the Grand Rapid Griffins, could get a chance as well. He’s been steadily improving and his ability as a puck mover is comparable to Green.
The Red Wings could use their top defenseman’s absence as a way to give a younger defenseman a chance to get some minutes. That’s especially critical and important for a rebuilding team like them.