Photo credit: Sweetest Hockey On Earth’s Tim Stough

Dmitry Orlov suffered an apparent concussion after a nasty hit at the Hershey Bears’ December 6 game at Verizon Center. He lost most of the next few months recovering from the injury before returning to HBH four games ago. Since the comeback, Orlov’s conditioning has markedly improved, putting up two assists in his latest game with the Bears on Sunday. To make room for Orlov on the roster, the Caps have placed Tomas Kundratek (apparent right leg injury) on injured reserve retroactive to March 14. For an ailing Washington blue line, the return of Dmitry Orlov is great news.

Orlov sported 16 points in 60 games last season, and his on-ice puck possession was second best among the D corps (although he did face weak competition as a rookie).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 18, 2013

Capitals Recall Orlov from Hershey
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Dmitry Orlov from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Orlov, 21, has recorded 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) and 16 penalty minutes in 22 games with Hershey and has tallied three assists in his last two AHL contests. He collected 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) and 18 penalty minutes in 60 games with the Capitals during his rookie season in 2011-12. Orlov finished the season ranked fourth in scoring among rookie defensemen despite finishing ranked 23rd in average ice time per game (16:52).

Orlov, a 6’0”, 210-pound defenseman from Novokuznetsk, Russia, was Washington’s second-round selection, 55th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He has registered 30 points (seven goals, 23 assists) in 56 career AHL games with Hershey and helped lead Team Russia to a gold medal at the 2011 World Junior Championships in Buffalo, recording nine points (one goal, eight assists) in seven games while being named to the tournament All-Star team.

In addition, Orlov represented Team Russia at the 2010 World Junior Championships and was one of Russia’s top three performers at the 2009 Under-18 World Championships.

Orlov will participate in Washington’s morning skate on Tuesday. He will wear No. 81.