Sharks Break NHL Salary Floor with Blockbuster Orlov Signing and Leddy Claim—What’s Their Game Plan?
The San Jose Sharks are shifting gears rather aggressively as the NHL free agency period rolls full steam ahead. Just a couple of days into the frenzy, they’ve locked down Dmitry Orlov on a solid two-year deal with an impressive $6.5 million annual salary—clearly signaling their intent to bolster the blue line with proven grit. Not stopping there, the Sharks scooped up Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, adding another seasoned defenseman with a hefty $4 million cap hit for 2025-26. These moves aren’t just about numbers; they’re about injecting veteran leadership into a roster that’s notably young, with Orlov and Leddy bringing the kind of Stanley Cup-winning experience that every contender craves. It’s a bold maneuver to surround youthful promise with battle-tested savvy—something that could redefine the Sharks’ trajectory this coming season. LEARN MORE
The Sharks have been busy filling out their roster since NHL free agency opened Tuesday, and they made two more important moves Thursday.
Veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov signed a two-year contract with the Sharks worth $6.5 million annually.
San Jose also claimed 34-year-old defenseman Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman first reported news of Leddy being claimed.
Leddy has a $4 million AAV for the 2025-26 season, meaning the Sharks added $10.5 million in salary Thursday, putting them above the $70.60 million salary floor.
Per PuckPedia, the Sharks currently have $72.55 million in salaries — second-lowest in the NHL — for next season.
Orlov is a 13-year NHL veteran, having spent time with the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and most recently, with the Carolina Hurricanes.
In 76 games with the Hurricanes last season, Orlov scored six goals and recorded 22 assists. He has 327 points in 867 career NHL games.
“Dmitry is a strong, two-way defenseman who brings physicality and versatility on the ice,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement released by the team. “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. We are happy to have him.”
Leddy brings even more experience to the Sharks, having played for the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Blues during his 15-year NHL career.
He appeared in just 31 games for the Blues last season, registering two goals and three assists. In 1,042 career NHL games, he has 416 points.
The Sharks are building an exciting young core, but the downside of that strategy is that they have one of the NHL’s youngest teams.
Adding Orlov and Leddy, both of whom have won the Stanley Cup, gives the Sharks two much-needed veteran leaders.
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