Former American ice hockey defenseman Brooks Orpik left an indelible mark on the NHL with his sessions at the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. Renowned for his defensive prowess and physical style, he was a stalwart on penalty kills.
The 18th overall pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Orpik's career began with the Penguins in 2002, contributing majorly to their 2009 Stanley Cup victory. Moving to the Washington Capitals in 2014, he played until his retirement in 2019, securing another Stanley Cup win in 2018 which was an unprecedented achievement for both teams.
Brooks the veteran player spent 14 seasons in the NFL and played in the Pittsburgh Penguins for about 9 years earning a whopping more than $24 Million. After leaving the Penguins he played for Washington Capitals earning a handful. Currently, Brooks Orpik enjoys a net worth of $20 Million. The player dedicated his life to ice hockey and now enjoys a luxurious post-retirement with his family and close friends.
Orpik when playing for Pittsburgh Penguins earned an average salary of $3,750,000 during his last contract and he earned an average salary of $5.5 Million due to his tenure with the Washington Capitals. Besides Brooks Orpik, the richest active ice hockey players include Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury, Anze Kopitar, Carey Price, and Patrick Kane. Their remarkable skills on the ice have translated into remarkable financial success, placing them at the pinnacle of the sport's wealth hierarchy.
Brooks Orpik's hockey journey saw him being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his tenure with the Penguins, he signed four contracts, totaling an impressive $53,575,000. On July 1, 2014, Orpik made a significant move, signing a five-year contract worth $27.5 million with the Washington Capitals.
However, his career curve took a turn when he was waived by the Colorado Avalanche on June 23, 2018, only to swiftly return to the Washington Capitals' fold. This return was marked by a one-year, $1 million contract inked on June 24, 2018. Orpik's initial contract with the Capitals carried an average annual value (AAV) of $5.5 million for five years. Nonetheless, details about potential restructuring after his 2018 waiver and subsequent re-signing remain unclear. The seasoned defenseman concluded his illustrious career in 2019 as an integral part of the Washington Capitals.
YEAR | TEAM | EARNINGS |
20003-2004 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $1,075,000 |
2006-2007 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $1,000,000 |
2007-2008 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $1,075,000 |
2008-2009 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $3,750,000 |
2009-2010 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $3,750,000 |
2010-2011 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $3,750,000 |
2011-2012 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $3,750,000 |
2012-2013 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $2,195,122 |
2013-2014 | Pittsburgh Penguins | $3,750,000 |
2014-2015 | Washington Capitals | $6,500,000 |
2015-2016 | Washington Capitals | $5,500,000 |
2016-2017 | Washington Capitals | $5,500,000 |
2017-2018 | Washington Capitals | $5,500,000 |
2018-2019 | Colorado Avalanche | $4,500,000 |
2018-2019 | Washington Capitals | $1,500,000 |
TOTAL CASH | $53,095,122 |
Brooks Orpik's hockey journey unfolded in the National Hockey League (NHL) earning acclaim as a double Stanley Cup victor, he secured championship titles with the Penguins in 2009 and the Capitals in 2018, a feat that uniquely marks him as the sole player to achieve this honor with both teams.
Orpik's initial steps in hockey began when his family relocated to New York, leading him to embrace the sport before progressing to Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts. He then honed his skills at Boston College, culminating in his selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, 18th overall, of the NHL Entry Draft in 2000. Embarking on his professional journey, he debuted with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Orpik's presence graced the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he established himself as a reliable stay-at-home defenseman and an influential leader within the locker room. His impact extended to the Washington Capitals, where he seamlessly continued his contributions to the team's achievements. Retiring from professional hockey in 2019 after a remarkable 15 seasons in the NHL, Orpik transitioned to coaching, presently serving as an assistant coach for the Boston College Eagles in the NCAA.
While there's no public information on Brooks Orpik's endorsements or sponsorships, his legacy shines through his illustrious NHL career. With two Stanley Cup victories under his belt, Orpik's impact as a revered defenseman and leader is undeniable.
His prowess on the ice, coupled with his off-ice contributions, left an indelible mark in the league. While potential sponsorships remain undisclosed, Orpik's success story and contributions to the sport continue to inspire hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
Related: 30 Years Old Ice Hockey Player Phil Kessel Dating Anyone as Girlfriend or He Is Married
With an NHL career spanning 1,035 games, Brooks Orpik boasts impressive stats: 18 goals, 176 assists, and 194 points. A positive plus/minus of +79 and 970 penalty minutes round out his record. Transitioning into coaching, Orpik embarked on his coaching journey in the 2020-2021 season, joining Boston College's coaching staff.
Now, in his third season as an assistant coach for the Boston College Eagles as of the 2022-2023 season, he collaborates closely with the seasoned head coach Jerry York. York's extensive 27-year tenure and coaching success in college hockey make this partnership notable. Drawing from his rich professional experience, Orpik's role encompasses nurturing and honing players' skills, shaping game strategies, and offering valuable guidance to the team.
Brooks Orpik is a former professional ice hockey defenseman who left an indelible mark on the NHL through his stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. Brooks was born on September 26, 1980, and his journey in ice hockey began at a tender age. Following his family's move to New York, Orpik took his first strides in the sport, eventually finding himself at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts where his passion for hockey blossomed.
This early dedication paved the way for his college years at Boston College, where he spent three seasons as a pivotal member of the Eagles' ice hockey team. Hailing from the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, Brooks Orpik etched his name in NHL history with his remarkable presence on both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals.