Why Orlov Extension With Capitals Became ‘Impossible’

As Dmitry Orlov was getting ready to make his way to Capital One Arena for the Washington Capitals' game against the Anaheim Ducks, he got the call that he didn't need to come, as he wouldn't play due to trade-related reasons. Quickly after, he got another call from general manager Brian MacLellan, who told him he was being traded to the Boston Bruins.

While the move surprised Orlov and left him "in shock," it appears to have been the only option as striking a deal apparently wasn't in the cards.

Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, an extension between Orlov and the Capitals became "impossible," as the two sides couldn't agree on term, with Orlov wanting a longer-term extension.

"[Orlov] wanted seven years, and they weren't willing to go past three or four," Friedman said.

A source also reiterated to WHN that Orlov's ask was too big and that the team wasn't willing to accommodate.

That led to general manager Brian MacLellan sending the league's other GMs an email about Orlov's availability. A deal with the Bruins was completed within days, as Orlov and Garnet Hathaway were sent to Boston in exchange for Craig Smith, a 2023 first-rounder, a 2024 third-rounder and 2025 second-rounder. Boston and the Minnesota Wild retained 50 percent of Orlov's salary in what became a three-team trade.

Orlov, who went to Washington in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft, spent 14 years in the organization and 11 years up with the big club. His 686 career games were the fourth-most among defensemen in franchise history, and he finished his run with 60 goals and 196 assists for 256 points.

In 43 games this season before his trade to the B's, he had three goals and 16 assists and was averaging well over 20 minutes per game while taking on the No. 1 defenseman role with John Carlson out long-term.

Orlov is set to hit free agency on July 1 and will likely seek a longer-term deal. While technically he could look to come back to D.C. as a UFA, a deal doesn't seem in the cards with the team wanting to get younger and having to address 10 other free agents this offseason.