Orlov has gone three straight games without a point after finishing with a minus-1 rating and one shot in Monday's 4-3 OT loss to the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Following a 33-point campaign in 2016-17 and the departures of Kevin Shattenkirk and Nate Schmidt in the offseason, the Russian blueliner was expected to contribute more offensively. So far, he has been held off the scoresheet despite a significant jump in his ice time from a year ago (averaging 25:11 per game in 2017-18). His puck-moving abilities, cannon of a point shot, and the overall minutes he's getting suggest that the points are bound to pick up, so frustrated fantasy owners should remain patient while he rides out this slump.

Orlov agreed to terms on a six-year, $30.6 million contract with Washington on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Orlov becomes the third member of Washington's blue line to carry a cap hit of more than $5 million annually -- joining Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik. While not an extravagant price considering Orlov's 2016-17 numbers -- 33 points, 122 hits, and a plus-30 rating -- the move all but guarantees Karl Alzner and Kevin Shattenkirk will be leaving the nation's capital. Compared to 2015-16, the 25-year-old Orlov logged an extra three and a half minutes of ice time per game this past year and likely will see his minutes continuing to trend upward.

Orlov will not be exposed in the expansion draft, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

There have been discussions about Orlov leaving for the KHL, so this may serve as some relief to Capitals GM Brian MacLellan's confidence that he'll stay in Washington. The Caps decided to protect three defensemen, and Orlov easily made the cut with 33 points, regardless of the fact that Kevin Shattenkirk and Karl Alzner are on their way out anyways.

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan believes Orlov will re-sign with his team rather than ultimately agreeing to a deal with a KHL franchise, CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

EDGE Analysis

MacLellan acknowledged rumors that Orlov has been in talks with KHL clubs -- CSKA Moscow is believed to be interested in courting the defenseman -- but the general manager added, "Sometimes I don't know if they (the reports) are accurate." Orlov just completed a one-year deal with the Capitals valued at $2.57 million. His two-way game was in full effect during the regular season, as he dropped 33 points (six goals, 27 assists) along with a plus-30 rating, but the Russian faded in the playoffs with three points representing his total over 13 games. Still, if the Capitals are to retain him, it's likely going to take a long-term deal.

Orlov is said to be discussing a possible contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports, citing Igor Eronko of Russia's Sport-Express.

EDGE Analysis

It was a breakout campaign for Orlov in 2016-17, as he manufactured a career-high 33 points to complement a shiny rating at plus-30. While the rearguard saw his playing time jump by three and a half minutes compared to the prior campaign, the Capitals acquired defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk shortly ahead of the trade deadline and that created volatility with Orlov's minutes when coach Barry Trotz tinkered with his pairings. If you hold keeper shares in the 25-year-old, wait for more substantiated reports before worrying about the rumored departure to the KHL, though it's worth noting that his hockey career began in that league back in 2007-08, when he was with Novokuznetsk Metallurg.

Orlov was called up to Team Russia's World Championship roster Thursday

EDGE Analysis

The defenseman will join teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov on Team Russia after another early-exit from the NHL playoffs in Wednesday's 2-0 loss the Penguins in Game 7. Following a career-high 33 points in 82 games in the 2016-17 season, his presence should give the Russian blueline a boost.

Orlov recorded an assist, two shots on net and two hits over 18:06 of ice time during Monday's Game 6 win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

With just three assists during the playoffs, it's pretty clear Orlov's defensive responsibilities have cut into his offensive upside. He's settled into a shut-down pairing with Matt Niskanen, and the duo is frequently matching up against the opposition's best scorers. Orlov's fantasy value has taken a hit with the assignment.

Orlov scored the game-tying goal in the third period of Thursday's 2-1 shootout victory over Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

It was his first goal and just his second point in nine games; equally promising, he skated 19:52, his second-highest mark in that span. Orlov's shrinking minutes and sparse production have been a drain for fantasy owners, but he's still in the midst of his finest campaign, having already set a new career high in points (30) to go with a spectacular plus-29 rating. His team context is enough to keep him on rosters in many leagues, but owners in shallower formats shouldn't be afraid to drop him if there's more upside on the wire.

Orlov recorded a goal, two shots and a plus-1 rating in a 2-1 victory over the Flyers on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

This was Orlov's first goal since he scored a pair versus Carolina on Jan. 23, but it was still a beautiful slap shot from the point. Since then, he has a goal and six points in the last 17 games. He only has five goals, but the tally gives Orlov 29 points, which tallies a career high. Orlov also has a career-high in shots, blocks and average time on ice.

Orlov collected a first-period assist during Friday's win over Edmonton.

EDGE Analysis

In the midst of a breakout campaign, Orlov is providing solid cross-category production with 27 points, 93 shots, 73 blocked shots, 34 PIM, 94 hits and a plus-28 rating. Additionally, he's proven capable of climbing the depth chart and upping his offensive impact when John Carlson or Matt Niskanen have missed time. Orlov is a universal fantasy asset attached to the best team and offense in the NHL.