Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov: Veteran Defenseman Bolsters San Jose with Contract

Dmitry Orlov joins the San Jose Sharks, a team that has been active in NHL free agency, following a strategic move to reach the salary cap. Orlov, who will turn 34 this month, signed a two-year contract for 13 million dollars. The defenseman, a Stanley Cup champion during his time in Washington and who played the last two seasons in Carolina, will have a 6.5 million dollar impact on the salary cap until the 2026-27 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

Last season, before the Hurricanes’ run to the Eastern Conference Final, Orlov recorded six goals and 28 points, averaging 19:59 minutes on the ice per game and a +19 rating for the season. He stayed healthy and proved reliable during his two years in Raleigh, after an 82-game season in 2023-204, playing in 76 games last season for the Canes. Throughout his career, Orlov has played in 867 games, accumulating 327 points (76 goals, 251 assists). In addition, he has participated in 10 consecutive playoff runs 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 for player salaries. This includes the money owed to captain Logan Couture, whose playing career has ended due to a debilitating injury. San José also claimed Nick Leddy off waivers from St. Louis to reinforce their revamped defensive line, which includes newly signed veteran John Klingberg, who earned 4 million dollars for next season.

Klingberg was someone we had targeted 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, a year after his hip surgery, I think he will be even better.

Mike Grier, General Manager of the Sharks

Leddy also has one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million, with $3 million owed. Orlov is the only experienced defenseman that San Jose has signed beyond 2026. Grier stated that, based on the Sharks’ youth movement and the building process, he did not expect to be involved in any high-value free agents this summer.