Shark signs Dmitry Orlov signs 2-year contract – Hockey Writer – Shark Deal
The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Dmitry Orlov for two years, $13 million, with an average annual profit value (AVV) of $6.5. million.
Orlov is a veteran from Russia who has played in the NHL for 13 seasons. He made his debut with the Washington Capitals in the 2011-12 season. He continued to play more than 10 seasons for the Capitals before moving to the Boston Bruins for the 2023 trade deadline. He went on to sign a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes after the collapse of the Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Orlov has remained reliable on both ends of the ice throughout his career. He ranked 37th among active defenders in most careers with 327 points in 867 games, with his career plus +134. Entering the 2025-26 season, he scored at least 20 points in 10 straight seasons and he also scored a head/deduction in all 10 seasons.
Orlov’s 2024-25 production remains consistent
In 2024-25, Orlov finished 76 games this season with 6 goals and 22 assists, totaling 28 points. He made it at 0.36 points, which matched his career average of 0.37 points per game. Defensively, he was once again very reliable, with the expected goal percentage of 55.99% around the Hurricane leading, with an expected goal percentage of five to five.
Related: NHL 2025 Free Agent Tracker
In the Stanley Cup playoffs, Orlov added four more assists to his Statistics Bureau as the Hurricanes entered the Eastern Conference finals. He became one of Rod Brind’amour’s most trusted guards, over 21 minutes per game in the playoffs. Entering the 2025-26 season, he will be 33 years old. However, he still has the ability to play tough game time in the top four, as he averaged 19:60 per game in the Hurricanes last season, with less than 20 minutes per game in his career.
Orlov is the typical defender everyone is looking for
Orlov will be perfect for sharks. He is always in the right position on defense, he understands and is good at offense, which will allow this team to exist stably on their blue line, something they lacked last season.
At 5-foot-11 he may be slightly shorter in today’s NHL, but he weighs 214 pounds, which allows him to have hockey battles often. Apart from his five-on-five reliability, Orlov is also an excellent power quarterback. He is an amazing passer and one of the few players to register with a 100 mph shot last season.
Orlov can also bring some trade value to the sharks that continue to rebuild. Competitive teams are always looking for these reliable hockey defenders who can contribute on offense. He will be a great addition to the shark The top four defensive players, which may be a valuable piece, can be paid for the team during the following two deal deadlines, which is from the Sharks here.
