Capitals' Dmitry Orlov to play 1st regular-season game in nearly 18 months

Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov will play his first regular-season game in nearly a year and a half on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.

Capitals head coach Barry Trotz confirmed Saturday that Orlov will be in the lineup as Washington's sixth defenseman.

Orlov missed the entire 2014-15 season after breaking his left wrist at the 2014 World Hockey Championship.

He was held pointless in five preseason games this fall, but his head coach still believes he's versatile.

"I just think he’s come a long way and feel he can contribute in a couple areas," Trotz said. "Special team areas are where his strengths are. If we just keep him playing, he’s a good player."

Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik will also play in Washington's season opener, after missing the entire preseason while recovering from offseason wrist surgery of his own.

- With h/t to The Washington Post