Brooks Orpik Traded to Colorado Avalanche

Minutes before the start of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Washington Capitals have announced that they are trading Brooks Orpik to the Colorado Avalanche. Orpik heads to Colorado with fellow former Capital Philipp Grubauer in exchange for the 47th pick in this year’s draft. Pick #47 occurs in the second round and will therefore happen tomorrow. The trade clears up significant cap space for the Capitals.

Orpik is an NHL veteran who has won two Stanley Cups since leaving Boston College in 2001. He was an alternate captain on this year’s championship team - his eighth straight season wearing the “A”.

Orpik had 10 assists in 81 regular season games this year, but his biggest moment came during the playoffs when he scored a game-winning goal after a 220 game goal drought. Orpik is mostly known for being a tough defensive player who is always good for a few big hits - he has 830 hits in 4 seasons with Washington.

After 16 seasons of professional play and numerous injuries, including concussions, it will be interesting to see if Orpik does move out to Colorado (leaving the East Coast for the first time in his career) instead of retiring as a Stanley Cup Champion.