Mike Green had until today to decide on whether or not to accept the Capitals’ qualifying offer. According to Brian McNally of the Washington Examiner, Green is turning down one-year, $5 million offer.
After turning down arbitration with the team, Green is clearly pursuing more of a long-term deal with the Capitals. He’s been one of the team’s top offensive players, especially on the blue line and is a former Norris Trophy finalist.
By turning down the qualifying offer, Green is a restricted free agent meaning the Capitals can match any offer sheets he could sign with another team. Given the reluctance teams have in signing another team’s RFA, don’t expect GM George McPhee to be put in that position.
McPhee said recently he’s working on long-term deals with both Green and John Carlson and didn’t expect there to be any issues in getting something done soon. Green turning down the qualifying offer is likely a formality leading up to that.