The Washington Capitals traded defenceman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway to the Boston Bruins. In exchange, they will receive a 2023 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, a 2024 third-round pick, and forward Craig Smith. This was a three-way trade, with the Minnesota Wild receiving Boston’s 2023 fifth-round pick in exchange for retaining a portion of Orlov’s salary.
NEWS | The Washington Capitals have acquired a 2023 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, 2024 third-round pick and forward Craig Smith from the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2023
Washington Capitals Trade Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway
Orlov could turn out to be a difference maker. He had an enormous playoff in 2018 in Washington’s only Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. Playing over 24 minutes a night that spring, he contributed 43 block shots and 40 hits that post-season. Moreover, he is still playing at a high level. Currently, he is in a midst of his second-highest average TOI total at 22:43. He also has three goals, and 16 assists totaling 19 points in 43 contests. Furthermore, last season saw him record his career high in goals (12) and points (35). So, he can still contribute and will be a positive asset for a run to the cup.
Garnet Hathaway Joins Dmitry Orlov in Trade to Boston Bruins
Garnet Hathaway will add to an already gritty Boston Bruin lineup. Throughout the long haul of a playoff run, this is a great move bringing in a grinder. Hathaway has 198 hits so far this year, which puts him in the same league rank as he was last year. In 2021-22, his 250 hits had him ranked 8th in the NHL. Furthermore, he can chip in offensively, in only a limited role, logging 12:06 TOI this year. In 59 games played, he has nine goals and seven assists for 16 points. Last year he contributed 14 goals, and 12 assists, for 26 points in 76 games.
How This Impacts the Bruins
Orlov is an ideal pickup for a team going on a postseason run. He plays a complete game and can help out in many facets. First of all, he can help out on the special teams. Usually, playoff teams do have power play specialists in place, but he could at least slot in on the second unit. Also, he has always played a strong defensive game. For example, last year he recorded a defensive point share (DPS) rating of 5.0. This year in fewer games, it is still respectable at 2.6. Perhaps his most valuable attribute to the club is his Stanley Cup pedigree. Any team welcomes past winners with open arms at this time of the season. He knows what it takes to get it done, and is more than capable.
How This Impacts the Capitals
Washington is a franchise in flux as evidenced by the Dmitry Orlov trade. They want to do what it takes to continue to be a perennial playoff team for the face of the franchise, Alex Ovechkin. They seem committed to trying their best to stay committed. One example was bringing in defending Stanley Cup champion backstop, Darcy Kuemper. However, the Eastern Conference is ultra-competitive, and not easy to even squeak into the playoffs. Just ask the Ottawa Senators. It seems moving a piece like Orlov’s is a statement. Orlov has played his whole career with Ovechkin and the Caps. Now, we are left to wonder if it is full rebuild mode for the Capitals.
Main photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
