Former Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik will be a busy man this season as the two-time Stanley Cup champ has reportedly accepted a position with Boston College as an assistant coach, while also retaining his player development position with the Caps.
Orpik, who won cups with Pittsburgh in 2009 and again with Washington in 2018, is a Boston College alumni, having played for the Eagles from 1998-2001, culminating in an NCAA title with the club in his final season.
The 40-year-old currently works with defensive prospects with the Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, and this will reportedly remain his focus throughout the season. His role in Boston is a part-time gig.
“Brooks is still with our organization in the same role,” a spokesman in Washington commented. “Helping out with BC. Not full time.”
“This is a great opportunity for me,” Orpik said. “I'm definitely grateful for Coach [Jerry] York letting me come in. In terms of a coach and a person, he really, 20 years later, is the exact same guy. I still marvel at his enthusiasm and his energy. I was kind of unsure if I would like to do it or how much I'd like doing it, but maybe I'm surprised. I've enjoyed it more than I anticipated.”
Prior to accepting the position with Boston College, Orpik had also been considered for an assistant coaching gig with the Capitals under new head coach Peter Laviolette - a position that eventually went to the long-tenured Kevin McCarthy.
Orpik, a 1035-game NHL veteran, amassed 194 points over his 16-year NHL career. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 2000 draft by the Pens with the 18th overall pick.
