Veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov is joining the San Jose Sharks, a team that has been actively spending in NHL free agency and made a waiver claim on Thursday to meet the league`s salary floor.
Orlov, set to turn 34 this month, inked a two-year deal valued at $13 million. The defenseman, a former Stanley Cup winner with Washington who played the last two seasons for Carolina, carries a $6.5 million annual salary cap hit through the 2026-27 season.
Orlov`s signing is part of the Sharks` effort to add roughly $20 million to reach the $70.6 million minimum salary threshold. This requirement includes the salary of injured captain Logan Couture, whose playing career has ended due to a severe injury.
San Jose also acquired defenseman Nick Leddy via waivers from St. Louis, further reshaping their defense group which recently added veteran John Klingberg on a $4 million deal for the upcoming season.
General Manager Mike Grier commented earlier this week that Klingberg was a long-term target, stating, “We need someone who can run a power play. We think, based on him getting healthier this year and another year post-hip surgery, he`ll be even better.”
Leddy`s contract also has one year remaining with a $4 million cap hit and $3 million in actual salary. Notably, Orlov is the sole experienced blueliner the Sharks have under contract past the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, Brent Burns, who played briefly with Orlov, finalized a one-year agreement with Colorado on Wednesday night for $1 million, potentially increasing by up to $3 million through performance bonuses.
Grier indicated that given the team`s focus on youth and rebuilding, they weren`t aiming for high-priced free agents this summer. As an example, one of the notable players still available, winger Nikolaj Ehlers, remained unsigned 72 hours after free agency began on Tuesday.
Orlov registered six goals and 22 assists with the Hurricanes last season. Throughout his career, the veteran defenseman has accumulated 327 points (76 goals, 251 assists) over 867 games.
The 33-year-old also possesses extensive playoff experience, with four goals and 37 assists in 107 post-season contests, having reached the playoffs every season since 2015-16.
Last season, San Jose finished at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 20-50-12 record, earning 52 points, nine fewer than the 31st-ranked Chicago Blackhawks.
Beyond their free agency signings, the Sharks also acquired goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic via a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Furthermore, San Jose used the second overall pick in the NHL Draft to select forward Michael Misa.
Tristan Blackwood