The Washington Capitals and would be Restricted Free Agent Dmitry Orlov agreed to a two year, $4 million dollar contract extension. Orlov is set to make $1.75 million in 2014-2015 and $2.25 million in 2015-2016. Orlov was the Capitals only RFA, with Dustin Penner, Jaroslov Halak, and Mikhail Grabovski the only free agents (all are UFAs) for the Capitals this offseason.
While he was on the Hershey-Washington call-up and send down train he had demanded a trade. His agent at one point said there was “there’s no chance in hell” Orlov would resign. Since being called up for good, Orlov has played 38 games, recording 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists). The contract is practically a steal for Washington, while still being in Orlov’s best interest. Since being called up for good, Orlov has played 38 games, recording 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists). Orlov plays top 4 minutes, but he would be paid as a bottom pair defensemen. Orlov has plenty of upside at 22 years old, he even has the ability to eventually play the same role as Mike Green, or as of late John Carlson, on the Capitals powerplay.
As long as Orlov is paired with Green, he will continue to get a bad rep. The two offensive-minded defenseman struggle some times when they play together, giving up easy goals like this. Although with Orlov now signed, the Capitals top 4 defenseman are set for the 20114-2015 season, with the question of who will McPhee bring in for the bottom pair. Connor Carrick can look lost at times, Jack Hillen’s size just isn’t there and he is abused physically, John Erskine can be very slow on his feet and must be awoken to be physical.
You can see Dmitry talk about the contract here: http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/dmitry-orlov-3-13-14
Thomas Flaherty
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