With just 44 days remaining until the Capitals’ first preseason game, defenseman Dmitry Orlov has yet to re-sign.  This offseason, Orlov got married, celebrated his 25th birthday–and elected not to file for arbitration.  However, a Tuesday morning press conference revealed the state of Orlov’s contract talks and the role the team envisions for him. 

Capitals coaching staff expressed little doubt that Orlov would be re-signed this offseason. 

Neither Trotz nor Reirden sounded worried about Orlov eventually re-signing. “ It’s probably just timing, dollars, length,” Trotz said. —  Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) August 30, 2016

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Orlov spent the majority of his 2015-16 season on the third pairing.  Despite Orlov’s controversial performance down the stretch, Barry Trotz indicated his desire to give Orlov a more substantial role for the upcoming season. 

Trotz on Orlov: “I envision him playing with a Niskanen or a Carlson, probably more prime minutes against more guys.”  Mentioned PP and PK. —  Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) August 30, 2016

Trotz says #Capitals and Orlov are still talking.  Trotz reiterated that he sees Orlov taking on a bigger role. " Orly has a great opp here." —  Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) August 30, 2016

Trotz also addressed how he plans to increase Orlov’s role–namely, by pairing Orlov with a stable partner. 

Trots said he wants Orlov paired with Niskanen & Carlson on top 4 D #CapitalsTalk — Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) August 30, 2016

Todd Reirden believes pairing Orlov with right partner will help cut down on mistakes, highlight strengths #CapitalsTalk — Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) August 30, 2016



Here’s Orlov’s contract history, courtesy of CapFriendly. 

SEASON CAP HIT AAV S. BONUSES NHL SALARY 2014-15 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $100,000 $1,750,000 2015-16 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $0 $2,250,000

Should the Caps re-sign Orlov, he’ll likely see an increase in both the salary and length of his contract. 

Headline photo: Justin K. Aller