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NHL Rumors: Dmitry Orlov expected to sign one year deal with Capitals

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 22, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) shoots the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Capitals defeated the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) shoots the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Capitals defeated the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dmitry Orlov is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals. 

The Washington Capitals are hoping to win the Stanley Cup during the 2016-17 NHL season. By bringing back virtually the same roster that won the President’s Trophy last season, they are in a good position to do so.

However, restricted free agent defenseman Dmitry Orlov remains unsigned. According to the Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan, Orlov will likely sign a one-year deal soon. Orlov will likely sign for something around $2.6 million for one year, giving him a raise from his 2015-16 salary.

"The reason the contract talks have taken this long likely has more to do with Orlov wanting a more substantial role with the team than disagreements over salary or term. Orlov averaged about 16 minutes per game last season, mostly playing on the third defensive pairing. He didn’t kill penalties, and his power play time was limited."

Orlov cares more about his playing time than money. Money is, however, important to the Capitals because they would like to have the option to carry 14 forwards and still have financial room for call ups throughout the season. Assuming Orlov signs for $2.6 million, that leaves the Capitals with just over $850,000 according to CapFriendly.

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Head coach Barry Trotz has implied Orlov will get more playing time in 2016-17. He will potentially play alongside either John Carlson or Matt Niskanen. Niskanen is the more likely option because Karl Alzner and Carlson have experience playing together.

Last season, Orlov had 29 points in 82 games. He missed the entire 2014-15 season due to an injury and its complications. While Orlov spent most of last season on the third defensive pairing, he will likely see an increase in playing time in 2016-17. However, he will have to be a lot more careful with the puck. Despite his occasional carelessness with the puck (41 giveaways), he is arguably the Capitals’ most dynamic defenseman.

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