### San Jose Sharks Make a Splash in NHL Free Agency with Dmitry Orlov Signing The San Jose Sharks have made headlines in the NHL free agency by signing veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract valued at $13 million. This move is part of the Sharks' strategy to bolster their roster as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming seasons. Orlov, who has a proven track record in the league, will bring both experience and skill to the Sharks' blue line, counting $6.5 million against the salary cap through the 2026-27 season. This signing comes as the Sharks look to enhance their competitiveness after entering the offseason with significant salary cap space [https://apnews.com/article/nhl-free-agency-11a418a27f925aa6570bb6fde6515866]. ### Breakdown of the Signing and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Orlov signed a two-year deal worth $13 million, averaging $6.5 million per season [https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/sharks-sign-defenseman-dmitry-orlov]. 2. **Player Profile**: - Dmitry Orlov, 33, has played 10 seasons in the NHL, most recently with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he recorded 28 points in 76 games last season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_d_dmitry_orlov_to_2_year_13m_contract/s1_17050_42410270]. - He is known for his two-way play, physicality, and versatility on the ice, making him a valuable addition to the Sharks [https://www.nhl.com/news/dmitry-orlov-signs-2-year-contract-with-san-jose-sharks]. 3. **Team Strategy**: - The Sharks are looking to improve their defense and overall team performance after a challenging season. Orlov's experience, including a Stanley Cup championship with the Washington Capitals, is expected to provide leadership and stability [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_claim_nick_leddy_off_waivers/s1_16958_42410525]. - The signing also reflects the Sharks' commitment to reaching the NHL salary floor, as they have added significant salary cap commitments with this move [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_to_2_year_contract/s1_16448_42410557]. ### Supporting Evidence and Player Statistics - **Career Statistics**: - Orlov has accumulated 327 points (76 goals, 251 assists) in 867 career games, ranking him among the top active defensemen in terms of career points [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_to_2_year_13m_contract/s1_17050_42410270]. - He has maintained a positive plus/minus rating throughout his career, showcasing his effectiveness on both ends of the ice [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_to_2_year_contract/s1_16448_42410557]. - **Recent Performance**: - In the 2024-25 season, Orlov averaged 20 minutes of ice time per game and had a plus-16 rating, indicating his strong defensive capabilities [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_to_2_year_13m_contract/s1_17050_42410270]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Sharks In summary, the San Jose Sharks' signing of Dmitry Orlov represents a strategic effort to enhance their roster and improve their competitive edge in the NHL. 1. **Key Takeaways**: - Orlov's contract is a significant investment aimed at strengthening the Sharks' defense. - His experience and proven track record are expected to positively impact the team's performance. - The Sharks are actively working to meet salary cap requirements while building a more competitive team for the upcoming seasons. This signing not only fills a crucial need for the Sharks but also signals their intent to be active players in the free agency market [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45659212/sharks-sign-defenseman-dmitry-orlov-2-year-13m-contract].