The Washington Capitals needed to clear some cap space to have a chance at re-signing the emergent top blue-liner John Carlson. Brooks Orpik became that salary cap causality, as the Capitals included the 37-year old defenseman in a trade package with goalie Philipp Grubauer to Colorado for a second-round draft pick.
It was a move the Capitals needed to make, as Carlson is the top free agent-defenseman in the NHL this summer. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan confirmed a deal is close now the Orpik’s large salary is off the books.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche are working with Orpik to negotiate a buyout that will make Orpik a free agent. The Capitals understand his leadership in the locker room and the role he played in their quest that culminated with winning the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup earlier this month. MacLellan acknowledged that Washington is “open” to bringing Orpik back if the price is right, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.
#Caps GM Brian MacLellan says “we’re open to” bringing back Brooks Orpik if #Avs buy him out and the cost is right.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 23, 2018
Orpik signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million back in 2014, as the Capitals tried to add toughness, grit, and Stanley Cup experience to a roster that continued to come up short in the postseason. Coming from rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Orpik helped establish a culture that propelled the Capitals to back-to-back Presidents’ trophies in 2016 and 2017 and eventually the Stanley Cup title this season.
The veteran’s play has been on the decline. He is coming off his worst statistical season since his first full season in the NHL (2003-04), posting 10 points and a minus-9 rating in 81 games during the regular season. However, the grind of the 82-game season did not affect his play in the postseason, as he scored his first goal in over two years and posted a league-best plus-17 during the Caps run to the Stanley Cup.
Bringing Orpik back at the right price totally makes sense and at this stage in his career, a return to the nation’s capital to close out his career could be intriguing for Orpik.
