Green placed on long term IR

The Washington Capitals will be place defenceman Mike Green on long term injured reserve with a groin injury, according to the Washington Times.

Green missed 23 games with a groin injury earlier in the season after being hit awkwardly on Nov. 11 in a game against the New Jersey Devils. He returned to the lineup on Jan. 3 but re-injured his groin in a game against the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 7.

The earliest Green is eligible to return is on Feb. 1, but a return to the lineup that soon is unlikely. Capitals head coach Dale Hunter said Thursday that there is no timetable for Green's return to the ice.

Green's salary doesn't count towards the Capitals cap while he is on the IR, so it gives the struggling club room to make a move if they chose to since his US$5.25 million cap hit will be off the books.

Forward Nicklas Backstrom was also placed on the IR earlier in the week with a head injury he suffered after receiving an elbow from Rene Bourque. The Flames forward was suspended five games for the elbow.

Green had back-to-back 70-point seasons in 2008-09 and 2009-10 and was a Norris Trophy nominee as the league's top defenceman in 2009, but has been injury plagued since.

In 10 games with the Capitals this season Green has three goals and three assists.