Observations:

April 2015 – Orlov was not put in to the line-up for the final few games of the season, even with his wrist at 100% as Trotz wanted to get him in but admitted there was little to no time left. On his conditioning stint with Hershey he had three assists in three games and played well. Since the playoffs have started Orlov has been in the press box and with Trotz wanting to keep the same line up it looks like Orlov may not have a chance to see NHL action until next year. Pat Quinn

January 2015 – Orlov is finally taking contact in practice after off-season wrist surgery. It was originally feared in December that he may need a second surgery but thankfully that is not the case. Now it is just a matter of getting up to game speed and working to get his shot back to where it was last year. Pat Quinn

March 2014 – Orlov and the Caps have officially resolved their dispute, signing a 2-year contract extension on March 13. The contract has an annual average salary of $2 million, a decent raise from his entry level deal in which he earned $690 000. Clearly the Caps realized his value, which is only going to rise from here for fantasy owners. He currently has nine points in 40 games this year and has shown he can already help in deep leagues, thanks to his 51 hits, and 46 blocks. Nathan Kanter

January 2014 – Orlov’s agent made it clear in late November that his client was unhappy with his playing situation in Washinton, and ever since Orlov has been receiving plenty of ice time. In 24 NHL games to date, Orlov has four points and a minus-5 rating but is averaging 19:43 per game. He is still receiving very limited powerplay time, but that is to be expected in Washington. Still, a trade could benefit the youngster. Nathan Kanter

December 2013 – A week and a half ago in late November Orlov’s agent made it public that Orlov had requested a trade out of Washington. This is really no surprise given that Orlov has turned around his game this season and yet has only played in four games for the Caps. Alexander Urbom being claimed off of waivers in October and getting played over Orlov was a clear statement by the Capitals that they didn’t think Orlov was ready but clearly he thinks otherwise (and he may be right). His agent said “there’s no way in hell Dmitry is going to sign with the Capitals next season” and so it makes sense for GM George McPhee to trade the youngster. He is still just 22 years old and his AHL numbers show he is ready for a bottom-six NHL role. It’s safe to say no matter where he lands fantasy owners should be happy, as anything is better than being jerked around between leagues and receiving minimal ice-time, as Orlov has been. Nathan Kanter

November 2013 – Orlov tallied eight points in his first five AHL games, which led to a call-up to the Caps in late October. However Orlov didn’t dress for an NHL game and has been swapped back and forth a few times in early November. He is on the cusp of dressing for his first NHL game since last March. He could very well be in next game against Pittsburgh on November 20th. Nathan Kanter

October 2013 – Orlov has done exactly what he needed to do since being demoted; have a quick start. Though he has only played two games, he leads the Bears in scoring with four points and is a plus-2. His only shot on goal in two games found the back of the net. Hopefully he can continue to turn things around. Washington’s ‘D’ situation continues to be interesting as they claimed Alexander Urbom off waivers from New Jersey in early October and have elected to go with him instead of 19 year-old Connor Carrick who was assigned to Hershey. October 11th. Orlov will have to continue to impress and hope for a few injuries before he gets another chance. Nathan Kanter

October 2013 – Orlov failed to make the Capitals opening day roster and was one of the final cuts. This is not good news. Most concerning is that Kundratek, who took away an opportunity last year from Orlov, didn’t make the team either, and instead Orlov also lost out to 19 year-old Connor Carrick. Orlov will need a great start for the Bears this AHL season to get the re-call where he must make an impression. He is in the last year of his entry level deal. Nathan Kanter

June 2013 – Orlov took a big step forward in 2011-12 for the Capitals and looked ready to solidify a spot on the blueline, but unfortunately wasn’t able to keep his forward progression going this past season. His play is not really to blame. as a shoulder injury caused him to miss significant time, but it surely is a slight step backward to have him only play five NHL regular season games. Still, he managed good AHL numbers, at 17 points in 31 games, and has a very good shot at making the Capitals roster in the fall. Guys like Oleksy and Hillen may have gotten more time this year, but if Orlov can stay healthy, he’s surely the better long term option. Jeff Schultz requesting a trade out of D.C. only helps him heading into training camp. Nathan Kanter

April 2012- Dmitry Orlov appears to be cementing his role with the Capitals. With the inconsistent play of both Mike Green and John Carlson, it appears that Orlov will likely find himself with a permanent spot sooner rather than later.  He loves to attack on the rush and this will lead to him earning points on a team like the Capitals (though they have become more defense-minded). He has a quick shot and good foot speed, but needs to work more on his play in his own zone. He scored 19 points in 60 games this season and with more minutes, he will be able to take that to another level.

Fantasy Outlook: B

Modest upside but time is running out. This year he must stick or hope he gets a chance somewhere else.

Footage:

First NHL goal. It really shows his style of play:

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Dmitri Orlov stats courtesy of Elite Prospects