### San Jose Sharks Secure Veteran Defenseman Dmitry Orlov with Two-Year Contract The San Jose Sharks have made a significant move in the NHL free agency by signing veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract worth $13 million. This deal, which averages $6.5 million per season, aims to bolster the Sharks' defensive lineup while allowing the team to maintain long-term salary cap flexibility. Orlov, who has a wealth of NHL experience and a Stanley Cup championship pedigree, is expected to bring both physicality and versatility to the Sharks' blue line as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming seasons [https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/grading-dmitry-orlov-2-year-13-million-contract-sharks][https://abc7news.com/post/sharks-sign-defenseman-dmitry-orlov-2-year-13m-contract/16936604]. ### Breakdown of the Contract and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Orlov's contract is for two years, totaling $13 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million [https://apnews.com/article/nhl-free-agency-11a418a27f925aa6570bb6fde6515866]. 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 has a career total of 327 points (76 goals, 251 assists) in 867 games and is known for his strong two-way play [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_to_2_year_contract/s1_16448_42410557]. 3. **Team Strategy**: - The Sharks are looking to address their defensive needs and improve their overall team performance after a challenging season. Orlov's addition is seen as a key step in this strategy [https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/sharks-sign-defenseman-dmitry-orlov]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Performance Metrics**: - In the 2024-25 season, Orlov had: - **28 points** (6 goals, 22 assists) - **Plus-16 rating** - Averaged **20 minutes** of ice time per game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/sharks_sign_dmitry_orlov_claim_nick_leddy_off_waivers/s1_16958_42410525]. - **Career Achievements**: - Orlov was part of the Washington Capitals' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2018 and has consistently been a reliable defenseman throughout his career [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/dmitry_orlov_signs_2_year_deal_with_sharks/s1_16454_42410085]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Sharks In summary, the San Jose Sharks' signing of Dmitry Orlov represents a strategic effort to enhance their defensive capabilities while ensuring financial flexibility for future seasons. 1. **Contract Overview**: Orlov's two-year, $13 million deal is a significant investment in the team's defense [https://reuters.com/sports/sharks-sign-d-dmitry-orlov-2-year-13m-contract-2025-07-03]. 2. **Player Impact**: With a strong track record and playoff experience, Orlov is expected to make an immediate impact on the Sharks' performance [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45659212/sharks-sign-defenseman-dmitry-orlov-2-year-13m-contract]. 3. **Future Outlook**: This signing is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Sharks' roster and improve their competitiveness in the NHL [https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/07/03/san-jose-sharks-dmitry-orlov-mike-grier]. Overall, the Sharks are positioning themselves for a more competitive future with this key acquisition.