Veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov is joining the San Jose Sharks, a team actively spending in NHL free agency, after they also claimed a player off waivers Thursday to meet the league`s salary floor.
Orlov, set to turn 34 this month, agreed to a two-year deal valued at $13 million. The experienced blueliner, a Stanley Cup winner with Washington who most recently played two seasons for Carolina, carries a $6.5 million annual salary cap hit through the 2026-27 season.
Orlov`s signing is the newest move for the Sharks, who needed approximately $20 million more in player salaries to reach the required $70.6 million minimum. This includes the salary of captain Logan Couture, whose career was ended by a severe injury.
San Jose also bolstered their defense by claiming Nick Leddy from St. Louis via waivers. Leddy joins other recent defensive acquisitions like veteran John Klingberg, who signed a $4 million contract for the upcoming season.
General Manager Mike Grier discussed their offseason strategy, noting, “Klingberg was someone we had targeted for a little while now. We need someone who can run a power play. We think, as he showed he was getting healthier and healthier this year and another year out from his hip (surgery), I think he’ll be even better.”
Leddy`s contract has one year remaining with a $4 million cap hit and $3 million in actual salary due. As of now, Orlov is the only veteran defenseman signed by San Jose beyond the 2026 season.
Brent Burns, a former teammate of Orlov for a brief period, finalized a one-year contract with Colorado on Wednesday evening. The deal is worth $1 million and could reach up to $4 million with performance bonuses.
Grier indicated that given the team`s focus on youth and rebuilding, he didn`t anticipate pursuing high-profile free agents this summer. Notably, one of the top players still available, Danish winger Nikolaj Ehlers, remained unsigned three days after the free agency period began Tuesday at noon ET.
Last season with the Hurricanes, Orlov posted six goals and 22 assists. Throughout his career, the veteran defenseman has accumulated 327 points (76 goals, 251 assists) across 867 games.
The 33-year-old also brings significant playoff experience, having recorded four goals and 37 assists in 107 post-season contests. He has appeared in the playoffs every season since 2015-16.
Last season, San Jose finished last in the NHL with a record of 20-50-12, totaling 52 points, nine points behind the 31st-ranked Chicago Blackhawks.
Beyond their free agent signings, the Sharks also acquired goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
San Jose also made a significant addition through the NHL Draft, selecting forward Michael Misa with the second overall pick.
