Orlov at the airport after his surgery. (Photo: @Orly_81)

Buried in the news of Mitch Korn being hired as the Capitals new goalie coach, comes a nugget that no one will like to hear. Russian defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who was injured in a World Championship game May 12th against the United States, may miss parts of training camp, the preseason, and at worst – a month and a half of the regular season – due to a broken wrist.

The news was first reported by The Washington Post’s Alex Prewitt.

Orlov’s surgery was performed on May 22 in New York City by renowned hand specialist Dr. Charles Melone. He will return stateside to get reevaluated and have his cast removed on July 9th.

When Orlov will be completely healthy is the big question. Here’s the meticulously worded explanation via Prewitt and a Caps spokesman.

The rehab process, according to the spokesman, will last around four months, estimated by Melone based on Orlov’s improved range of motion following surgery; wrist surgeries of this nature typically carry a healing timetable between four to six months. Orlov suffered the injury on May 12 during a preliminary-round game against the United States and was quickly flown stateside from Belarus to be evaluated. He went under the knife less than two weeks later and “most likely will be completely cleared at some point in September or October.”

I didn’t go to school for math, but if I’m counting correctly, Orlov could be ready as early as September 22nd or at the latest, late November. Gulp. Let’s hope he’s a quick healer!

Orlov, who had what many would consider a breakout season last year, is a big part of the Capitals defense moving forward. Without him, an already thin defensive corps gets even thinner.