ARLINGTON, Va. (CBSDC) — The Capitals announced they’ve re-signed defenseman Mike Green to a three-year, $18.25 million contract. 

Green, 26, will earn $6 million in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 and will earn $6.25 million in 2014-2015.

“We are pleased to re-sign Mike Green to a new contract,” said Caps General Manager George McPhee in the team’s press release. “Mike is one of the best young defensemen in the National Hockey League and is just entering his prime. He will continue to be a key part of our team moving forward.”

Green, whose only played in 81 regular season games combined the last two seasons due to injuries, had three goals, four assists and a plus/minus of plus five in 32 regular season games last season.  Green added two goals and two assists with a plus five in 14 playoff games last season.

On a conference all with reporters, Green said he didn’t feel like he was himself until midway through the playoffs while recovering from sports hernia surgery, but added “I’m 100 percent now and ready for next season.”

Green has played in 398 regular season NHL games (82 goals, 169 assists, +62) in parts of seven seasons and is known as a puck moving, offensive defenseman.  In 2008-09 Green had 31 goals and 42 assists and in 2009-10 he had 19 goals and 57 assists.  He is also a key on the team’s power play and had 18 power play goals during the 2008-09 season.

“100 percent and it will be next year,” Green said when asked if he would get back to his offensive production levels of 70 plus points a season.

In 50 career playoff games, Green has seven goals, 22 assists and a minus one rating.  Green was paired with Roman Hamrlik during the Caps 2011-12 playoff run.

Green was on the NHL All-Star team during the 2010-2011 season and has been a Norris Trophy finalist twice.

Listen here to Mike Green’s conference call with the DC media.