Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green confirmed he will miss the Capitals' season opener against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday because of an upper-body injury.

Green was injured during a preseason game against the Boston Bruins on Sept. 26.

"More so [coach] Barry [Trotz] just being smart about it," Green told the Washington Post. Trotz said it's possible Green could be ready for the next game Saturday in Boston or definitely next week.

Green, 28, has been slowed by injuries in recent seasons. He had nine goals and 38 points in 70 games last season; that was the most games he had played since he dressed for 75 in 2009-10.

He was a Norris Trophy finalist in 2008-09 and 2009-10, surpassing 70 points in each season. Green has 95 points in 186 games in the past four seasons.