Sharks Bolster Defense with Veteran Dmitry Orlov
San Jose, CA – July 3, 2025 – The San Jose Sharks announced today the signing of defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract, adding a seasoned presence to their blue line. The deal carries a $6.5 million annual average value. This move signals a clear intent by the Sharks to reinforce their defensive capabilities ahead of the upcoming season.
Orlov, a 33-year-old Russian native, brings a wealth of experience to San Jose, having logged over 800 games throughout his 13-year NHL career. He consistently delivers a reliable performance, averaging around 20 minutes of ice time per game, a benchmark he maintained during his recent tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes. Last season,he contributed six goals and 22 assists in 76 regular-season contests,adding four assists during the playoffs.
| Player | Age | Position | Contract Length | AAV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dmitry Orlov | 33 | Defenseman | 2 Years | $6.5 Million |
While not known for flashy offensive plays,orlov excels as a steady,dependable puck-mover. His durability is a critically important asset, having missed only six games out of a possible 190 with Carolina over the past two seasons. During that span, he registered 120 blocked shots and delivered 217 hits, demonstrating his commitment to both defensive obligation and physical play.
Did You Know? Dmitry Orlov was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round (55th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
The signing comes after a somewhat turbulent end to orlov’s 2024-25 campaign with the Hurricanes,marked by a visible display of frustration following a disappointing performance in the Eastern Conference final against the Florida Panthers. Though, the Sharks are banking on his extensive track record of success and consistent performance to outweigh that single incident. His positive plus-minus rating in 12 of his 13 NHL seasons underscores his ability to contribute positively to team results. According to data from NHL.com, players with consistent positive plus-minus ratings often demonstrate strong defensive awareness and contribute to limiting scoring opportunities against their teams.
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Sharks Sign Orlov: 2-Year Contract Details Unveiled
The San Jose Sharks are making a splash in free agency! According to sources, the team has signed free agent defenseman Dmitry orlov to a lucrative two-year contract. This move signifies the Sharks’ commitment to bolstering their roster and the beginning of a new chapter for the team. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Sharks Orlov contract details and analyzes the impact of Orlov’s arrival.
Contract Breakdown: Years, Salary, and Financial Implications
The contract, as reported by Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic, spans two years and totals $13 million. This translates to an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million.This is a meaningful investment by the Sharks,showcasing their intent to build a competitive team.This financial commitment is a clear signal to fans and the league about the Sharks’ intentions in the upcoming seasons.
key Details of the Dmitry Orlov Contract
Let’s break down the specifics of the agreement:
- Contract Length: 2 Years.
- Total Value: $13 Million.
- Average annual Value (AAV): $6.5 Million.
The decision to bring in Orlov, a veteran defenseman known for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions, allows the Sharks to improve their defensive core.
Impact on the sharks’ Roster & Strategy
The addition of Dmitry Orlov provides significant benefits to the San Jose Sharks roster. His presence strengthens the team’s defensive capabilities and adds experience. This strategic move indicates the Sharks’ desire to improve their overall competitiveness. The Sharks are focused on improving and adding key players like Orlov to their roster.
Expected Role and Contributions
Orlov is expected to play a prominent role on the Sharks’ blue line, offering:
- Defensive Stability: Strong positional play and shot-blocking ability.
- Experience: Years of NHL experience providing leadership on and off the ice.
- Offensive Upside: Ability to contribute to the offense, with experience in puck movement and scoring.
Analyzing the Deal: Pros and Cons
As with any significant move in professional sports, there are both benefits and potential challenges associated with the Dmitry Orlov signing.
The main advantage of signing Orlov is his experience and defensive skill.Though, the $6.5M AAV could potentially impact the team’s flexibility in future free agency moves.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adds veteran leadership. | Impacts long-term financial flexibility. |
| Improves defensive core. | Could limit room for younger player advancement. |
the Sharks are making strategic moves in pursuit of elevating their team. the effectiveness of this strategy will ultimately be determined by Orlov’s performance. This signing is a clear signal of their aggressive approach to improve.
