Sunday: CapFriendly reports that Orpik has cleared waivers and his contract will be bought out.
Saturday: The Colorado Avalanche were clear about it when they made the deal, Brooks Orpik wouldn’t be playing for them this season. The team has placed the 37-year old defenseman on waivers and are expected to buy out the final year of his contract. Orpik was acquired yesterday along with Philipp Grubauer in exchange for a second-round draft pick. Colorado will have to face a $2.5MM cap hit next season, and a $1.5MM cap hit in 2019-20.
Orpik’s $5.5MM cap hit was just too much for the Washington Capitals to handle any longer, and needed to be moved out in order for them to re-sign John Carlson. Avalanche GM Joe Sakic admitted immediately that Orpik wasn’t a target for them, and he’d give him the chance to find a job elsewhere. Obviously there wasn’t anyone who would trade for him knowing the team would eventually buy him out, but this definitely brings up some interesting possibilities for Orpik.
The Capitals could theoretically bring Orpik back on a cheaper contract, but other teams should also have interest in the Stanley Cup champion. Orpik has plenty of experience and actually played perhaps his best hockey of the season as the playoffs went on for Washington. Though he is by no means fleet of foot, he can still provide a physical presence on the blue line and help log some tough minutes.
Expensive trade for the Avs
It’ll be worth it if Grubauer turns into their franchise goalie. High-ceiling goaltenders don’t often become available and when they do its often at a hefty price. I don’t believe that the Avalanche have any super significant players that need new contracts soon so the cap hit should be manageable for them.
I wish they would’ve kept him on the team this year they could’ve used his leader ship and what he brought to the capitals during the playoffs looked pretty good so he may have some value left in his hockey career yet.
leafs should get orpik for polak