Jim Mcisaac / Getty Images file

Defenseman Mike Green of the Washington Capitals has the whole package to become one of the NHL's superstars, writes Bill Clement of NBCSports.com.

Green’s skating is outstanding, both speed-wise, and agility-wise. He also does everything on the ice with his head up. Not all NHL players do that — as a matter of fact, very few do. He has his head up when he brings the puck up the ice so his passing options are always identifiable. He also always shoots with his head up.

By keeping his head up, Green gains so much more accuracy as an offensive threat. His head up guides him as to whether he should shoot the puck high or low based on what he sees in front of him. The landscape ahead changes from the time he winds up to strike the puck, to the time he lets the shot fly. It helps Green that he has the physical talent to do everything with his head up.

Unlike most defenseman, Green, from close range, can get the puck upstairs very quickly. Even some forwards don’t raise the puck very quickly. Even a superstar like Sidney Crosby doesn’t. Green does.

Green has the whole package. He’s got speed and agility as a skater, and is an awesome rushing defenseman, who skates with his head up. His hands are sensational to make plays. Plus, he has a high hockey IQ. What more could any coach want?

Maybe excellence on the power play? No problem, Green provides that as he is the league’s best backdoor expert, and weakside player. Watch him when a play is over on the left side of ice, and he is on the right point. When he senses a seam is about to open up, he slips into it better than anybody in the game.

My first pro coach used to say the playmaker is the guy away from the puck, and Green very often is proof that’s the case. And one huge factor that works in Green’s favor is the load of talent and skill in his teammates, who are on the power play with him, Opposing penalty-killing units have their hands full, and this helps Green when he is trying to make a move for a weakside, backdoor play.

There can easily be more to come from Green. As good as it is, his decision-making is going to get even better. And the star players around him are going to continue to get better as Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are not at their best yet. Green will benefit from that. Watch Green closely the next few years, and you’ll see quite a show.

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