Sharks Bolster Defense with Veteran Dmitry Orlov: A Calculated Risk?
The San Jose Sharks have made a significant move to address their defensive needs, signing veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year, $13 million contract. This acquisition,while aimed at immediately improving the team’s blue line,also has intriguing implications for the Sharks’ future cap situation. The deal brings a seasoned presence to a relatively young defensive corps, but comes with a cap hit that requires careful consideration.
Addressing Immediate Needs & Future Cap Implications
San Jose’s defense has been a point of concern in recent seasons, consistently ranking near the bottom of the league in key defensive metrics. Currently, the Sharks allow an average of 3.52 goals against per game (as of early July 2024), highlighting the urgency for enhancement. Orlov,despite a slight dip in ice time last season,is expected to immediately step into a top-pairing role.Beyond the on-ice impact, the contract structure is noteworthy. Orlov’s $6.5 million annual average value (AAV), combined with the $4 million AAV of fellow defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, ensures the Sharks remain above the NHL’s salary cap floor of $70.6 million for the 2025-26 season. This strategic maneuvering,while seemingly minor,demonstrates a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of the salary cap.
Orlov’s Recent Performance & Carolina Context
The 33-year-old Orlov arrives in San Jose after a stint with the carolina Hurricanes.He initially signed a two-year, $15.5 million deal with Carolina in 2023, becoming a sought-after free agent in a relatively weak market.Though, his role diminished as younger players emerged. The Hurricanes’ growth of promising defensemen like Alexander Nikishin and the acquisition of K’Andre Miller created a logjam on the left side of their defense,limiting Orlov’s opportunities.
During his time in Carolina, Orlov averaged 18:36 of ice time per game, producing six goals, 22 assists, and 28 points over 82 games.While a slight decrease from his peak production, these numbers still represent a valuable contribution from a veteran player. His plus-10 rating also indicates a responsible defensive game.
Contract Details & Potential Trade Value
The contract breakdown reveals a potentially interesting dynamic. Orlov will earn a $5.4 million base salary and a $2 million signing bonus in the first year, followed by a $4 million salary and a $1.5 million signing bonus in the second. This back-loaded structure, with a lower salary in the second year, could make Orlov an attractive trade candidate closer to the trade deadline.
Adding to this possibility, Orlov secured trade protections as part of the deal. He received a full no-trade clause for the 2025-26 season and a 15-team no-trade clause for the 2026-27 season.This provides him with some control over his destination should the Sharks consider moving him.
What Orlov Brings to San Jose
Standing at 5’11”, Orlov is a left-handed shooting defenseman known for his two-way play and puck-moving abilities. while he may not be the dominant, top-four force he was during his prime with the Washington Capitals – where he averaged over 22 minutes per game – he still possesses the experience and skill set to be a valuable asset for the Sharks.
Think of Orlov as a seasoned veteran quarterback in football, capable of making smart plays and directing the defense, even if he’s not running the fastest 40-yard dash anymore. He’s a player who can stabilize the defensive zone, contribute offensively, and mentor younger players.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing?
General Manager Mike Grier appears to have taken a calculated risk with this signing. Despite the cap hit potentially exceeding Orlov’s current market value, the two-year term and the Sharks’ ample cap space mitigate the risk. The team has the financial flexibility to absorb the contract if Orlov doesn’t perform as was to be expected, or to potentially flip him for future assets if he regains his form.
Ultimately, the success of this signing will depend on Orlov’s ability to adapt to his new surroundings and resume a more prominent role on the Sharks’ defense. If he can recapture some of his former glory, San Jose may have found a key piece to their rebuilding puzzle.
Sharks Claim Leddy Off Waivers, Defensive logjam Ensues
The San Jose Sharks have claimed defenseman Jay Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, a move made possible by the Blues’ need to free up cap space following the acquisition of Logan Mailloux from the Montreal Canadiens. St. Louis placed Leddy on waivers hoping to facilitate a trade, but ultimately couldn’t find a deal, leaving him available for any team to claim.
This acquisition comes at a time when the Sharks are navigating a tight cap situation, currently exceeding the cap floor by approximately $2 million. While they could potentially flip Leddy to another team, doing so would require retaining a portion of his $4 million salary, and they only have one retention slot available after Brent Burns’ contract expired. Similar retention considerations would apply to moving other players frequently mentioned in trade discussions, such as Mario Ferraro ($3.25 million cap hit) or Vincent Desharnais ($2 million).
Leddy, 34, brings a veteran presence to the Sharks’ blue line and could compete for a top-four role, primarily on the left side, though he possesses the versatility to play on the right. Last season was hampered by injury, limiting him to 31 games and just five points. However, in the prior season, he demonstrated his offensive capabilities, recording 28 points and a +14 rating while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time for the Blues. His career statistics show a consistent performer, having amassed 348 points in 848 NHL games.
The addition of Leddy, along with recent signing John Klingberg and the presence of established players like Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson (though Karlsson was traded last season), creates a significant logjam on San Jose’s defense. Currently,eight defensemen are under one-way contracts for the upcoming season: Leddy,Orlov,Ferraro,Desharnais,Klingberg,Timothy Liljegren,Henry Thrun,and Shakir Mukhamadullin. Crucially, none of these players are eligible to be sent to the AHL without clearing waivers. Adding to the complexity, the Sharks also have unsigned restricted free agent Jack Thompson and highly-touted prospect Sam Dickinson vying for a spot.
This defensive depth suggests the Sharks may still be active in the trade market, potentially seeking to add a high-salaried forward. Such a move could create the necessary cap flexibility to facilitate trades and open up opportunities for younger players like Dickinson, Mukhamadullin, Thompson, and Thrun to earn a roster position. The Sharks finished the 2023-24 season with the second-worst record in the NHL (22-50-10), highlighting the need for both veteran leadership and the development of their promising prospects.