Capitals GM MacLellan considering shutting down Dmitry Orlov

Promising Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov's season is hanging in the balance.

The 23-year-old defender hasn't played this season due a frustrating period of convalescence from wrist surgery. The club is reaching the point where they may decide to just shut him down for the year, according to Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan.

"It’s been a frustrating situation for us with his injury," MacLellan told Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post. "I'd love to see our team with Orlov and (Mike) Green on the third pair. That's six really good defensemen. It's frustrating from that point of view. I'd like to have him come back here. It's going to be hard for him to get his timing, to get in shape.

"You miss three-quarters of a year, it's not easy to make that time up, but I'd like to see him try it," continued the Capitals executive. "I think we'll get a clearer picture of where he's at over the next couple weeks, whether we do have a shot at that or we don't have a shot at that."

In 119 career games with the Capitals, Orlov has proven himself to a be a decent possession defender while contributing six goals and 31 points.