NHL 2014 Trade: Brooks Orpik Signs $27.5M Deal With Washington

It was officially announced on July 2 that Brooks Orpik will be joining the Washington Capitals.

The Capitals stated that they had Orpik sign a contract worth $27.5 million for a period of five years. In a report by Yahoo! Sports, the Capitals said, through its General Manager Brian MacLellan, "We are very excited to welcome Brooks to Washington. We feel Brooks' leadership and experience will greatly enhance our defense for years to come. Brooks plays tough minutes against the opposition's best players."

News of Orpik coming to Washington surfaced after Todd Reirden was acquired by the Capitals. Washington has been making several major changes in the past months. Orpik will be a great addition to their defensive line and provides the needed muscle in necessary situations.

Orpik is 33 years old, stands 6'2" tall and weighs 219 pounds. He is No. 1 among defensemen in Pittsburgh franchise history in terms of games played with 703. He was Defensive Player of the Year of the franchise from 2009 to 2012 and was awarded the Player's Player from 2010 to 2014. He is ninth in assists with 119 and fifth in penalty minutes with 734. The defenseman He is also known for his leadership skills, having functioned as alternate captain for the Penguins for five years.

During his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Orpik earned 13 points with two goals and 11 assists and 46 penalty minutes in 72 games. He is the best shot blocker in the team with 143 and is No. 1 in hits with 221. Orpik comes from San Francisco and was drafted in 2000 by the Penguins in the first round, 18th overall.

According to SB Nation, Orpik is one of the most experienced players in the NHL. He represented the United States at the Winter Olympics in 2010 and 2014. In 2010, he won a silver medal with Team USA at the Winter Olympics. He also appeared in the World Junior Championships in 2000 and the World Championships in 2006.

Orpik's salary cap was $3.75 million in 2013, a report from the Washington Post revealed. After signing him, the Capitals only have around $6.2 million available. Orpik is expected to play with the Capitals in October 2014. He already visited the Capitals on June 29 to determine his offers. Allegedly, the fact that he was going to be reunited with Reirden was vital in letting him sign.