Sharks sign Orlov to 2-year deal, add Leddy off waivers

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, the team announced.

Orlov spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was the top remaining blue-liner available after the initial free-agency rush.

"Dmitry is a strong, two-way defenseman who brings physicality and versatility on the ice," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. "He has a wealth of NHL experience, both in the regular season and playoffs, and his Stanley Cup championship pedigree is a valuable addition to our team."

Orlov registered 28 points in 76 games last season and has never been regarded as an offensive defenseman. The soon-to-be 34-year-old was a premier shutdown blue-liner in his prime and played a key role in helping the Washington Capitals win the Cup in 2018.

The Sharks also claimed Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. San Jose previously signed John Klingberg to help bolster its defense after a last-place finish in 2024-25.

San Jose still has nearly $23 million in cap space after adding Orlov and Leddy, according to PuckPedia.