Andrew Orpik: Signed, Ignored, or Walking Away? Edit - Signed with AHL Rampage
So the clock is ticking for Orpik, the big rightwinger out of Boston College and the Sabres have until Saturday to work out a deal or see Andrew become a UFA. With the Pirates lack of size and an organizational weakness on RW, Orpik could fit nicely in as a checking line type player with a physical element, just like he did for BC. His skating has improved over the last three years and he remains a load along the wall and in the corners, while maintaining his ability to set up defensively (a throughback to his time on the blueline).
With so few RWers certain on the overall roster, it seems like he should at least get the 2-year offer. There is a pressing need for size in Portland, with the likes of Kennedy, Ennis, and Gerbe in the top 9 mix. Outside of Mancari, there is no one of Andrew's stature even in the organization.
hard to say, his size is needed, but does he have an NHL future?
Baker can chime in here if he has the time, but we've talked about him from the standpoint of a Jay Pandolfo/Travis Moen type player - not much flash, but real responsible defensively and big enough to handle himself if he chooses to. Andrew could throw the mitts a few times and create space for himself and others. Heck, if the designated Peters-type fighter goes away, Orpik could be a guy who takes that role and works the penalty kill. Think of Brown in Anaheim -- that sort of 4th liner has use, but takes some development time.
And then there is the transition nature of the signing. It would only have to be a 2-year deal, and with the relative lack of any other proven players in the system on RW who can play in Portland... there is some appeal there. He knows the system, the coaches, and they know him.
Baker can chime in here if he has the time, but we've talked about him from the standpoint of a Jay Pandolfo/Travis Moen type player - not much flash, but real responsible defensively and big enough to handle himself if he chooses to. Andrew could throw the mitts a few times and create space for himself and others. Heck, if the designated Peters-type fighter goes away, Orpik could be a guy who takes that role and works the penalty kill. Think of Brown in Anaheim -- that sort of 4th liner has use, but takes some development time.
And then there is the transition nature of the signing. It would only have to be a 2-year deal, and with the relative lack of any other proven players in the system on RW who can play in Portland... there is some appeal there. He knows the system, the coaches, and they know him.
you know i love those 4th liners. I would definitely be looking forward to him getting his chance. It would seem counterproductive of him to go the UFA route.
I saw him play a lot against BU the past couple years. He has 4th line potential that could pan out a few years from now, skating is suspect but could be improved on. I would say definitely give him the 2 years, good depth for Portland if nothing else.
I think that he'll be signed to a 2-way. Its a low-risk move and could pay dividends. They signed other suspect prospects like Hunter with serious flaws in their game so it might be nice to get a simple player in there that will work the wall and show some moxy.
I don't think he has an NHL future but his size would be welcomed in Portland with the undersized lineup in place right now. Like ONG said, guys like Hunter have been signed with many more question marks. I believe he'll be signed and he'll be a solid player in the AHL, but will likely never be an NHL regular. He has improved, though, after having to adjust to a new position and carve a niche in a tough BC lineup. There are spots in Portland that need to be filled, and I don't see many better options than Orpik.
i wouldnt mind hanging on to him for Portland and see how he develops, but i dont have very high hopes for him. the only reason he has a bump in potential is because of his last name.
gotta sign him. Based on name recognition alone that should carry some cache? no? He could fill an organizational need 2-3 years down the road. His price tag shouldnt make Regier risk adverse to this signing.
Everyone wants size now but what about speed? I loved it when Buffalo was a super fast team in the 70's and in 05 and 06. Just have a mix of grit with speed.
Everyone wants size now but what about speed? I loved it when Buffalo was a super fast team in the 70's and in 05 and 06. Just have a mix of grit with speed.
I think Portland has more than enough speed with Gerbe, Kennedy, Byron, Ennis (hopefully), Gragnani, Brennan, Schiestel, etc. Portland is pretty set in that area and could use a little more grit to protect those smaller guys.
I think Portland has more than enough speed with Gerbe, Kennedy, Byron, Ennis (hopefully), Gragnani, Brennan, Schiestel, etc. Portland is pretty set in that area and could use a little more grit to protect those smaller guys.
Agreed. All size and no speed or all speed and no size is no way to win. Buffalo has just starting to get some balance in that regard, Orpik could help the Pirates in that regard.
It could be similar to Mancari or Wideman/Paetsch where he gets an invite to camp to show what he can do. If he impresses, they might sign him for Portland.
He would be alright depth in Portland. But I dont see him having any future in the NHL. He's about in the 30th-40th range of our top prospects in my mind.
What im more curious about is when are they going to sign Ennis? I really hope he is signed for Portland this year. I can see him jumping some guys really quick when injury call ups are needed
Antonio Rampage General Manager Brad Treliving announced today that they have signed right wing Andrew Orpik to an American Hockey League contract. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
That points to the Sabres letting Andrew walk away.
