Confirmed: Orlov Signs One-Year Deal With Capitals

The Washington Capitals and Dmitry Orlov agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.57MM. Orlov was a restricted free agent this summer, and while his contract will keep him as an RFA next summer, he is arbitration-eligible. The signing wraps up the Capitals’ obligations right before training camp opens.

Orlov is currently playing on Team Russia’s blueline in the World Cup of Hockey and averaging around 20 minutes a game. Last season he scored 8G and 21A in 82 games for the Capitals, but remains a bottom-pairing defenseman because of a stacked Capitals’ blueline.

The signing leaves Washington with approximately $880K in salary cap space to start the season. The Caps have little wiggle room to add, however, and will have to manipulate the cap creatively in order to make space at the trade deadline. The deal itself seems team friendly, but if Orlov continues to progress he is in line for a healthy raise next year.