Bruins acquire Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway from Capitals for Craig Smith, draft picks

Publish date: 2024-05-03

The Boston Bruins have acquired defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Bruins forward Craig Smith and draft picks, the teams announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:

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

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

What Orlov, Hathaway bring to Bruins

Adding Orlov gives the Bruins depth on the left side of their defense. He joins Hampus Lindholm, Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort. Grzelcyk could move to the right side in case of injuries to Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo or Connor Clifton.

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Hathaway, meanwhile, adds bite and straight-line speed. Stylistically, Hathaway (198 hits) is a better bottom-six fit on the right wing than Smith, who hit the offensive wall this season. He is also a right shot, which is a commodity the Bruins are lacking. Jake DeBrusk and Nick Foligno, both lefties, have been playing their off wings. — Shinzawa

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

Why did Bruins trade for Dmitry Orlov with an already full left side on defense?

How to evaluate Caps’ trade

After losing five straight games — all in regulation — to fall out of the playoff picture, Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan has decided to become a seller at the trade deadline for the first time in his nine-year tenure. The plan is not a tear-it-down rebuild; that won’t happen as long as Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are on the roster. The goal is to flip veterans on expiring contracts for draft capital/prospects/young players in an effort to kickstart a retool.

There are eight unrestricted free agents on the Caps’ roster after Orlov and Hathaway were dealt away. Expect additional deals to be consummated in the coming days. — El-Bashir

What they’re saying

MacLellan thanked Orlov and Hathaway “for their contributions to our organization.”

“Dmitry has been with our organization for almost 14 years and was a key contributor in helping us win the Stanley Cup in 2018,” MacLellan said in a statement. “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. 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.”

Required reading

(Photo: Jamie Sabau / USA Today)

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