Caps envision Dmitry Orlov in top-four role this season, not worried about him re-signing

With just 44 days remaining until the Capitals’ first preseason game, defenseman Dmitry Orlov has yet to re-sign. This offseason, Orlov got married, celebrated his 25th birthday–and elected not to file for arbitration. However, a Tuesday morning press conference revealed the state of Orlov’s contract talks and the role the team envisions for him.

Capitals coaching staff expressed little doubt that Orlov would be re-signed this offseason.

Neither Trotz nor Reirden sounded worried about Orlov eventually re-signing. “It’s probably just timing, dollars, length,” Trotz said.

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) August 30, 2016

Orlov spent the majority of his 2015-16 season on the third pairing. Despite Orlov’s controversial performance down the stretch, Barry Trotz indicated his desire to give Orlov a more substantial role for the upcoming season.

Trotz on Orlov: “I envision him playing with a Niskanen or a Carlson, probably more prime minutes against more guys.” Mentioned PP and PK.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) August 30, 2016

Trotz says #Capitals and Orlov are still talking. Trotz reiterated that he sees Orlov taking on a bigger role. "Orly has a great opp here."

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) August 30, 2016

Trotz also addressed how he plans to increase Orlov’s role–namely, by pairing Orlov with a stable partner.

Trots said he wants Orlov paired with Niskanen & Carlson on top 4 D #CapitalsTalk

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) August 30, 2016

Todd Reirden believes pairing Orlov with right partner will help cut down on mistakes, highlight strengths #CapitalsTalk

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) August 30, 2016

Here’s Orlov’s contract history, courtesy of CapFriendly.

Should the Caps re-sign Orlov, he’ll likely see an increase in both the salary and length of his contract.

Headline photo: Justin K. Aller