(Caps Outsider)
The Washington Capitals announced that they have traded longtime defenseman Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a 2023 first round pick, a 2025 second rounder a 2024 third round pick and forward Craig Smith. The Caps retained the maximum 50% of Orlov’s salary.
“We would like to thank Dmitry and Garnet for their contributions to our organization,” Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan said in a press release. “Dmitry has been with our organization for almost 14 years and was a key contributor in helping us win the Stanley Cup in 2018. Garnet has been an important part of our team and a role model off the ice for his contributions to our community. We wish both players all the best with Boston.
“This trade allows us to acquire draft capital, infuse youth and restock our system,” the release continued. “While this season has proven challenging with injuries to our significant players, we are in a position to use some of our current assets to retool our club and build a competitive team moving forward.”
Orlov was drafted 55th overall by the Capitals back in 2009 and made his NHL debut in 2011-12 playing 60 games. Orlov stuck for good with the team in the 2014-15 playing 82 games. He would play all 82 games for four straight years starting that season. He totaled 686 games in his decade long career in Washington tallying 60 goals and 256 points.
It wasn’t just offensive highlights that got Orlov onto the highlight reel. Orlov often laid out big, punishing hip checks.
Hathaway joined the Capitals in the 2019-20 season, instantly helping transform the fourth line while playing along side Nic Dowd. Hathaway totaled 116 points in 432 games with Washington. Hathaway was also a noted philanthropist in the area working prominently with first responders.
Both Hathaway and Dowd were unrestricted free agents at the end of the year.
Smith is a 33-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He has 408 points in 831 career NHL games with Boston and the Nashville Predators.
