The veteran defenseman retired from his playing days earlier this offseason, but will join the Capitals’ Player Development department, working with prospects and players from the Hershey Bears. Brooks Orpik was a defenseman known for his shutdown ability.
Put his body on the line every game and blocked a ton of shots.
Sure, the money is spread over two campaigns instead of one, but this is about the best possible outcome for which the veteran blueliner could have asked.Orpik’s signing has raised more than a few eyebrows, though, with some calling it a cap-circumventing deal that has essentially allowed the Capitals to retain the defenseman’s services from one season to the next while saving at $4.5 million against the cap for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, his bottom-pairing place on the blueline — he was fourth in average ice time during the regular season but fifth in the post-season — will be far more reasonable for Washington at a $1-million cap hit. Orpik is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Penguins in 2009 and with the Capitals in 2018.
Being the oldest player on the team during his final years in Washington, his Russian teammates fondly referred to him as "Batya" … First, there was no compliance buyout option for Orpik, meaning Colorado is stuck with the $1.5 million cap hit in each of the next two seasons.
Also, we've got features on Tyler Seguin, Carey Price, Jordan Binnington, Shea Theodore and much more.As a member of The Hockey News family, we first want to wish you, your family and friends the very best of health during this COVID-19 virus pandemic. He graduated from Boston College in 2002; while at BC, his sqauds won the 2001 National Championship and 1998 and 2000 Hockey East titles. The Avalanche, on the other hand, will have to deal with the dead cap space that resulted from Orpik’s buyout, even if it may be a non-issue for a franchise more than $14 million below the spending limit. Brooks Orpik (b. September 26, 1980 in San Francisco, California) is an American ice-hockey defenceman. He was born, raised and resides in Winnipeg, where he can be found missing the net on outdoor rinks all over town.Hockey is back, and we have everything you need to be ready with our Playoff Preview! Please view the full post for updates on The Hockey News and upcoming magazinesBecome an exclusive member for as little as $2.50/month, which includes a magazine subscription plus exclusive access to premium content in the All-Access sectionGet the latest from The Hockey News right in your inboxThe Hockey News © 2020 Roustan Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Get the latest from The Hockey News right in your inboxBrooks Orpik has taken the scenic route, but when the 2018-19 campaign rolls around, the 37-year-old rearguard affectionately known as ‘Batya’ will be back with the Washington Capitals.It’s been quite the off-season for Orpik, who celebrated his second Stanley Cup victory this past season after chipping in one goal and five points in 24 games with the Capitals. TheHockeyNews.com gives you the inside scoop on hockey like no other publication. Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik heard the powers-that-be in USA Hockey emphasize that the criteria for the 2014 Olympic team would be based on both a player's current … GM Brian MacLellan explained why he hired one of his former players:. As the draft approached, rumors swirled about the veteran’s future in Washington given his sizeable cap hit and increasingly limited role, and the chatter came to a head when Orpik was packaged with goaltender Philipp Grubauer and traded to the Colorado Avalanche for a second-round pick on June 22. Being the oldest player on the team during his final years in Washington, his Russian teammates fondly referred to him as "Batya"Orpik is the only NHL player to have won a Stanley Cup with both Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Orpik has missed the last 27 games with a knee injury and will be a welcome addition to a Capitals team in need of a boost on the penalty kill (77.3 percent). It’s also worth mentioning that it has taken upwards of one month for pen to hit paper on a new deal for Orpik, even if it all signs pointed to the veteran wanting to return.But circumvention argument aside, the Capitals and Orpik both come out winners.