The First Annual DiPietro Award

Apr 3, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Anthony Peluso (14) checks Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) during the second period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks Orpik

Our first nominee is a strong candidate for the DiPietro Award.  The veteran defenseman will turn 34 before the season starts and just signed a five-year contract that will carry a cap hit of $5,500,000 over the duration of it with the Washington Capitals.  The Capitals have a reputation of being soft and unable to win playoff hockey so of course they sought to rectify this situation by throwing a truck load of cash at the ex-Penguin.

Orpik does bring veteran presence and plenty of playoff experience to our nation’s capital. Unfortunately he also brings cement in his skates and little offense to the blue line.  He’s still a fierce hitter (even if he won’t drop the gloves), but does not have the legs to keep up with a younger and faster skating league.  He’s being paid as a top-two defensemen which he is currently based solely on reputation.  The five-year contract he signed was about two years too long and there is little chance he will see the end of his deal with the Capitals as you can pick up a nice traffic cone for under 20 bucks on the internet these days, a little less than$5,500,000 Orpik will pocket a year.  For $5,500,000, that better be one good-looking traffic cone.

While he may bring the “winning” attitude the Capitals want, unfortunately for Brooks he won’t be skating home this year with the DiPietro Award.  Something tells me this won’t be his final nomination though.