Defenseman Dmitry Orlov joins the San Jose Sharks, a team that has been very active in NHL free agency. Orlov, who will turn 34 this month, signed a two-year, $13 million contract. The player, a Stanley Cup champion with Washington and who played the last two seasons in Carolina, will have a $6.5 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season.
In the past season, before Carolina’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Orlov recorded six goals and 28 points, averaging 19:59 minutes of play per game and a +19 rating for the season. He stayed healthy and proved to be reliable during his two years in Raleigh, playing in 76 games last season for the Canes. Throughout his career, Orlov has participated in 867 games, accumulating 327 points (76 goals, 251 assists). In addition, he has played in 10 consecutive playoffs since the 2015-16 season. Orlov is the latest addition for the Sharks, who needed to add $20 million to reach the minimum of $70.6 million in player salaries. This includes the money owed to captain Logan Couture, whose career has ended due to a debilitating injury. San Jose also claimed Nick Leddy from the St. Louis through the waiver list to reinforce their new defensive line, which includes veteran John Klingberg, who signed for 4 million dollars for next season.Dmitry is a strong and complete defenseman who brings physicality and versatility on the ice. He has extensive experience in the NHL, both in the regular season and in the playoffs, and his Stanley Cup champion pedigree is a valuable addition to our team. We are happy to have him.
Mike Grier, General Manager of the Sharks
Leddy also has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million, with $3 million in actual money owed. Orlov is the only experienced defenseman that San Jose has signed beyond 2026. Grier said that, based on the Sharks’ youth movement and the building process, he did not expect to be involved in any of the big free agent signings this summer.Klingberg was someone we had been targeting for a while. We need someone who can run a power play. We believe that, as he showed he was recovering more and more this year and another year after his hip surgery, I think he will be even better.
Mike Grier, Sharks General Manager
