Mike Green is looking for a long-term commitment.

No, sorry faux-hawk loving season ticket holder, not one of those commitments.

Mike Green has been around the NHL for a full four seasons now, posting a career high of 31 goals in 2008-2009 while compiling 73 points. Green patrols the Washington Capitals’ blue-line with a rare breed of elite mechanical talent (have you seen that shot?), Matthew Lombardi-like speed, and a strong sense of anticipating key goal scoring opportunities. While his detractors will mention his desire to continually join the rush as one of his downsides, it comes with the territory of top three offensive defensemen.

Coming into the 2010-2011 season Mike Green is self-described as physically stronger, mentally sound, and sport psychologist ready for the rigors of an 82 game professional season, and then some.

As I have watched Mike for entire career (saw his first NHL goal against Toronto at Verizon Center) it is clear that defenses are starting to key in on the key areas that Mike Green scores from. On the powerplay the penalty killers are stepping up to cut down his shot from the point and defensemen are all too aware of Green’s ability to quietly cut into the right circle before being fed a pass from Backstrom or Semin. As opponents change their approach to defending Green it is becoming clearer and clearer that Green will need to adapt to continue excelling.

But perhaps adapting is Green’s greatest difficulty.

Mike’s struggles with his sticks have been well documented since his Easton Stealth CNT’s (Carbon Nanotube Technology) have all lived through their lives. During the Capitals’ first round series against the Rangers in 2008-2009 there was a constant media buzz around Green attempting to locate new Stealth CNT’s.

“Green’s stick of choice, the Easton Stealth, was discontinued by the company some time ago, and at the beginning of this season Green had just 15 of them left. And in Game 1 of this series, he broke the last one” (5/11/2010).

And for those unfamiliar to the play of the sport, adjusting to a new piece of equipment as vital as your stick is very tough.