Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
#4: Nate Schmidt And Dmitry Orlov
Considering how little faith Barry Trotz showed in Nate Schmidt and Dmitry Orlov last season, I admit I’m a bit surprised that the third pairing is currently penciled in to be Schmidt and Orlov. However, the Washington Capitals clearly have faith in Schmidt and Orlov for the first time. It will be their job to make the Washington Capitals look smart for having that faith in them.
Schmidt had very solid possession numbers last season for the Capitals. However, his production never matched his puck possession numbers, so Barry Trotz didn’t have much faith in Schmidt. It got to the point where Jack Hillen and Tim Gleason got playing time over Schmidt. That should change this season as Schmidt looks to have a regular role with the team. The Caps showed faith in Schmidt by giving him a two year deal.
RELATED: Nate Schmidt 2014-2015 Season Review
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dmitry Orlov is a bit of a wild card at this point. He had a very promising season in 2013-2014, as he was one of the few defensemen who looked like he knew what he was doing out on the ice despite being in Adam Oates‘s system that never took advantage of his strengths. Orlov is a very impressive puck mover. He’s not an offensive defenseman in the traditional sense (production), but his ability to move the puck could make him a very valuable asset on offense as the Washington Capitals look to replace Mike Green.
RELATED: Orlov Could Be Washington Capitals X-Factor
One area that Orlov could prove himself to be valuable in is the power play. I’m intrigued to see how the Washington Capitals plan to use him on the power play, as the Caps current system pretty much requires a right handed shot to operate it from the point. Orlov is left-handed. Knowing Trotz, I think he and Todd Reirden will adjust the power play slightly so that Orlov can be used during it.
Next: #3: Every Dog Has Its Day