3 teams that should target Mike Green at trade deadline

For the first time in decades, the Detroit Red Wings will approach the NHL trade deadline with good reason to be sellers.

The Wings have earned a postseason berth every season since 1990, but appear on the cusp of seeing that streak end, sitting with the third-fewest points in the East heading into the home stretch.

Related: How the Red Wings can rebuild at the trade deadline

With the organization potentially turning their attention to the future, one key name that could find its way into trade talks is Mike Green. The veteran defenseman would certainly draw interest in the midst of an impressive season, having posted 10 goals and 25 total points through 44 games on the Wings' back end.

Right-handed rearguards with Green's offensive skill are always among the most coveted trade pieces, and the former Washington Capital boasts some elite career numbers - two 70-point seasons in his prime years, and at least 35 points in each of the past three seasons. He's on pace to top 40 points in 2016-17.

Green's no-trade clause means his fate is in his own hands, but given the fact that the Wings seem to be going nowhere fast, a change of scenery may not require much convincing.

That being the case, here are three teams that could benefit from the smooth-skating defender's services:

1. Winnipeg Jets

With seven entry-level deals on the books, cap space isn't a huge concern for the Winnipeg Jets. That's key, as Green carries a hefty $6-million annual cap hit until the conclusion of next season.

There's no denying his skill, however, and with the Jets taking a step forward offensively this season, Green's scoring talent could help them move one step closer to a playoff return.

Most importantly, the veteran could help fill in for key defensive cog Tyler Myers, who remains on the injured reserve. Myers hasn't played since early November, and is not making any progress, according to his head coach.

Green seems as good a replacement as any, and could perhaps help the club continue to climb the standings - they currently sit three points out of a wild-card spot. The draw for Green? Getting to play with one of the most potent young snipers in the game in Patrik Laine.

2. New Jersey Devils

The fit is pretty straightforward here. The New Jersey Devils are absolutely starved for offense, having finished last in the league in goals per game last season, and ranking fourth-last in that regard this year.

Though the club added a few intriguing offensive pieces this summer - namely elite winger Taylor Hall - they still lack a true No. 1 option on the blue line. A problem exacerbated by the fact that the Devils traded their best bet at that role, Adam Larsson, to get Hall.

Making matters worse, the injury bug is chipping away at New Jersey's defensive corps, as both John Moore and Jon Merrill currently sit on the shelf.

The Devils have plenty of cap space and plenty of room for improvement at both ends of the rink. Like Winnipeg, they sit within reach of the playoffs - five points out of a wild-card spot - and adding Green would be a significant step towards closing the gap.

New Jersey's going to be a harder sell for the veteran, though donning Devils colors would mean an unchallenged shot to be the No. 1 option on the back end.

3. Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have all sorts of cap space, meaning they would have no issue fitting in Green's salary. They're also oozing with potential, as the up-and-coming club is beginning to see hard-earned progress after years of futility.

The Canes sit just four points out of the playoffs and boast a number of strong young prospects building up their names. They've got some talent on the blue line, but aside from Justin Faulk, the Hurricanes' rearguards are an exceptionally young and inexperienced bunch.

Green and Faulk could serve as a considerable one-two punch for Carolina, and the Red Wings star would be of particular use in helping right the ship for the Hurricanes' 22nd-ranked power play. Over the past decade, only four active defenders have put up more power play points than the former Capital's mark of 188.

A move to Carolina would allow Green to take on a mentor role for the next crop of talented blue-liners, as the Hurricanes have a few talented future options in tow, led by 2015 fifth overall pick Noah Hanifin.

Whether or not Green and the Red Wings agree that a move is best remains to be seen, but if the scales tip toward a trade, it's clear the 31-year-old won't be short on suitors.