Dmitry Orlov, former Washington Capital and highly sought-after defenseman, has signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $7.75 million per season. Orlov's signing comes after unsuccessful contract extension negotiations with the Capitals, leading to his trade to the Boston Bruins. The 31-year-old defenseman had a career-high 36 points in the 2022-23 season and brings his defensive skills and offensive flair to a talented Hurricanes team.
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year, $7.75 million AAV deal. Despite already having a strong defensive core, the Hurricanes saw the opportunity to add a top-tier defenseman and fortify their strength. Orlov brings versatility, strong play-driving abilities, and puck-moving skills to the team. While the contract may be a slight overpayment, the Hurricanes have the cap space to afford it and prioritize acquiring a difference-maker. The short-term deal provides flexibility for the team and allows Orlov to potentially cash in again in the future. Overall, the signing is seen as a positive move for the Hurricanes, earning a contract grade of B.
Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has stated that it is unlikely the team will be able to re-sign defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Bruins recently cleared salary cap space by trading Taylor Hall, but with limited cap room and a thin free agent market, it appears unlikely that they will be able to retain Orlov. The 31-year-old Russian defenseman has expressed excitement about exploring free agency and has become a sought-after player in the market. Rumors have also circulated about the Bruins potentially trading defenseman Hampus Lindholm to make room for Orlov, but those rumors seem unlikely given Sweeney's statement and the lack of knowledge from NHL executives about Lindholm's availability.
Dmitry Orlov, a veteran blueliner, is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career on July 1. Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has said that it’s “unlikely” Orlov and Boston will be able to come to terms on an extension due to cap constraints. Orlov is expected to be one of the top prizes in a shallow free agency pool. Orlov has expressed his desire for a long-term deal, but also mentioned his interest in exploring a return to the Washington Capitals.
The Boston Bruins may not be able to keep all the players that helped them set records last season due to salary cap constraints. Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway, and Tyler Bertuzzi are among the main additions that could be headed elsewhere this summer. Bruins GM Don Sweeney said he might only be able to sign one of the three upcoming unrestricted free agents due to the cap constraints. Orlov has already expressed his desire to explore a return to the Capitals in free agency, while Hathaway's thoughts on a possible return are unknown.
