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you all need to relax. Orpik is one of the best pure best defensive D-men in the game. I don't know much about Corsi or Fenwick but I do know the game, having been fortunate enough to play it on the collegiate level. He stays in position. He hits like a Mack truck. He clears the crease. He blocks shots. He's no Duncan Keith but he's also no John Erskine if you know what I mean. I would have guessed his Cap hit to be about what it was given his experience, Stanley Cup ring and reputation. I would've like to see the deal no longer than four years but GMBM said it was necessary to get the job done. Orpik could fade away like Poti or he could be like Nick Lindstrom. Only time will tell.
To me the real risk here is Niskanen. He has only one strong year under his belt. If he doesn't continue to improve this contract could be an albatross. However if he continues to prove improve they could've got a steal.
The bottom line is after many years of standing pat or producing minor deals they at least took a chance to move forward
His hitting has gone way down the last couple seasons. At least in terms of impactful "bone-crunching" type hits. I do think he stays in position better now than he used to, but that may just be a part of his wheels not being quite as good as they once were (in his younger years, I think Orpik was pretty underrated as a skater. Dude could fly). The crease clearing part is 100% untrue. Regular season or playoffs, he spent a LOT of time poking at pucks in the crease with his stick instead of burying the player who went on to score the goal. The guy isn't totally done as some are saying, but he isn't quite what you described him to be.