Because, IMO:
1. PP with Carlson is just as effective as with Green, so there's 16 (of current 36) Green points you can simply replace.
2. Without PP, Green is what, a 25 pt guy? A 30 pt guy? If you drop off to a 15-20 pt 3rd pair guy, that's only maybe a 10-15 pt difference.
3. With Green gone, you'll likely allow fewer goals, fewer dumb unnecessary goals (unlike goals that opponents would score on anybody, these are Green-special back-breaking goals), fewer goals in tight Trotz-type games, etc. Those could easily account for more than the 10-15 pt negative difference.
4. With Green gone, you'll have one less fragile player that is highly questionable to survive a full SC run.
5. Getting a solid top-6 forward would not just mean individual improvement -- it could completely change the effectiveness of the 2nd line and improve the stats of at least 2 other linemates. If you find a forward that clicks with Kuz, you can get two great players.
6. Getting a solid 2nd line would improve the whole team by tilting the ice more, putting more pressure on opponents.
Honestly, I find it incredible that you don't seem to even understand these arguments. I mean, you acknowledge them, but then the next day you come back with same stats-in-a-vacuum, as if Green's positive and negative contributions can even remotely be summarized by reading off regular season point totals.
Look, things change as I see more and more games. It is a what have you done for me lately league so my opinion one month can deff chage from one month to the next.
I think with Mike Green a lot of it is mental and a lack of understanding game situations.
I think Mike Green is one of the best players in the league in terms of natural skill - however, I think he lacks in game awareness too often too. He kinda reminds me of a Jay Cutler of hockey. All the tools in the world to be successful, but just lacks awareness and makes plays that make you go "why? why? why?" too often.
I think another reason he hasn't scored so much is hes trying to pass and get other people involved more. On the PP he's looking to get it to Ovi every time. Do we wish he'd shoot more? Sure... but we still have the #2 PP in the league, so what he's dong is still a good thing. IF Ovi wasn't to his left on the PP every time he's out there I'm sure Green would have 10-15 goals by now and people wouldn't be saying anything about his goal production.
In terms of lack of ES scoring, I think that was just due to having to carry the lines. With rookies and Hillen on his line all year, he was still the best defensive player of his pairings and had to be the defensive anchor. With Gleason here now I think we need to give him a little more time to see how he really does.
In terms of awareness and a lack of understanding in game situations - I think what I mean by that is he doesn't really adjust. If we're up by 1 - down by 1 - tied defensive battle in the 3rd, I think he plays the same way. Tonight was a good example. Trusting his skating/puck control and not just doing the smart thing in a late game like that. That's why Trotz I feel like doesn't play him nearly at all when we are leading.
He's still one of the premiere offensive D guys in the league, but he has been through more systems/people telling him how to play/how not to play than any player possibly in the league. With his skill and good coaching, once someone figures out how to use him best he will absolutely be a threat.
Whether that is here next year or not - what Green needs is a coach who has experience knowing how to get the best out of their players and a consistent system. Once he settles in to one system and isn't having to change everything every other month I think he'll be just fine.
Another issue could be he gets into let Ovi do it all mode. I think sometimes you just need to say you can step up and be a leader and make things happen. Green is one of those players that I think can. With Ovi being out there with him almost half his shifts maybe he's doing what a ton of other players do when they're out with Ovi... just ride his tail.