Washington Capitals rumors: KHL team in discussions with Dmitry Orlov
According to sources, a KHL team is in discussions with Washington Capitals restricted free agent defenseman Dmitry Orlov.
The Washington Capitals have several important restricted free agents this offseason. One of them is defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Coming off the best season of his young career and his second short-term deal, he’s looking to cash in. And it might not be with the Capitals. According to Championat, CSKA, who own his KHL rights, is in talks with Orlov.
“We are conducting serious negotiations with Orlov,” Esmantovich said. “We have an understanding regarding this player. The head coach wants to see him on the team.” (Translation by RMNB)
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This could just be posturing by Orlov. After all, this would get him a bit of leverage for a long-term deal from the Capitals. Orlov deserves one, especially after exceeding expectations over his past two short-term deals.
The threat of Orlov leaving for the KHL is very real. His biggest motivation in doing so would be to play in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov have also expressed a desire to play in South Korea, but the NHL hasn’t softened on their stance on the Olympics. Currently, the league isn’t allowing players to go.
If Orlov signs with a KHL team, the Capitals will retain his rights until he’s 27 years old. A long-term deal in the KHL isn’t too likely. If he signs overseas, it will most likely just be for a year. The Capitals would be hard pressed to replace Orlov, who has been outstanding alongside Matt Niskanen.
Kuznetsov could experience a similar situation. The NHL’s decision to not go to the Olympics could impact the Capitals more than other teams.