Michael Bunting And Dmitry Orlov Are Adding To The GROUP WE LIKE!
By Chris Baker
I smell subterfuge. Hurricanes GM Don Waddell is at the center of it. But don’t tell anyone. Despite being in the mix for defensive physicality, and signing dirt cheap (for a reason) fourth line sandpaper which has stirred up the fanbase (rightfully) and the NHL, Carolina is quietly making solid moves in the background. It is JUST the middle of July and already Waddell has worked to bring in offensive heft with Michael Bunting, and defensive stability in Dmitry Orlov almost under our noses.
Both players are bringing more dimension to a team that is already deep in talented versatility.
Michael Bunting, at 6’0 “190lbs, looks and plays like Andrei Svechnikov with his notable size. Studying the back of his hockey card, his shooting percentage jumps out at me. Especially in comparison to Svechnikov’s.
Where Svech sits at the 11.5% career mark, Bunting reaches 14.5% with a 13.5% showing in career play off games. That kind of accuracy from the his strong side of the ice will add to Carolina’s game. Plus he will be an added benefit to the 2nd Power Play Unit.
Factoring his scoring ability (23 goals last season alone), his accuracy, and considerable size together means PNC Arena PA Announcer H. Wade Minter had better be practicing his call for Michael Bunting.
One the other side of the ice. Dmitry Orlov is a considerable upgrade from Shayne Gosthisbehere as a depth defensemen. I am already looking forward to seeing him paired with Jalen Chatfield. Of course feeding Alexander Ovechkin he won’t be, but I am betting the whole Hurricanes offense will benefit from Orlov’s passing abilities.
In spite of the off ice frustrations from the Hurricanes front office (yes I am talking about Tony DeAngelo and now Brendan Lemieux), their two really big off season signings in Bunting and Orlov will be great additions to a Canes team we already like. All the other mess is mere distraction. Just like Carolina’s front office wants it. Distraction, distraction, distraction.
And what better way to do it?
Michael Bunting’s sniping from his strong side on a third line with Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast. Dmitry Orlov with his defensive and assisting skills on the ice with Jalen Chatfield.
Hurry up October! I cannot wait!