What’s The Expectation? – Dmitry Orlov Edition
It is not news at this point that the Carolina Hurricanes signed Dmitry Orlov to a 2 year contract. There was a ton of hype around this signing, but unless your have been watching the Washington Capitals regularly, you may not have an expectation, or have an expectation with no basis. So, objectively, what can we expect?
In short, not the same offensive production as Brent Burns, or the same number of games played, but some good defense and a bulk of his time on ice should be in 5 on 5 situations or shorthanded. His career best in goals is 12 (21-22), in assists is 29 (22-23), and in points is 36(22-23). In the last two seasons he has played in 76 and 66 games respectively.
While Dmitry Orlov is no stranger to the power play, tallying a goal and 7 assists on the power play last season between the Washington Capitals and the Boston Bruins, the Hurricanes brought in an offensive minded defenseman capable of handling the second power play in Tony DeAngelo. Beyond that they have Brent Burns who was lights out on the power play last season for Carolina with 4 goals and 19 assists with the man advantage in route to his franchise record setting season.
With the stacked defensive juggernaut that is the Hurricanes, it is a safe bet Dmitry Orlov finds himself on the second line. It doesn’t appear likely the line of Jaccob Slavin and Burns is broken up, at least not to start. In his career he averages just over 20 minutes ice time per game, but last season was his second most in his career averaging over 22 and a half minutes. It can be expected this season falls in line with his career average.
It wasn’t the Carolina Hurricanes largest need, but the addition adds depth to the Eastern Conference runner up. The second, and even third line on this team for the 2023-2024 campaign will be good enough to be the first line on most other teams in the league. The buzz around this season could not be louder, and this acquisition is for sure a part of that and Caniacs everywhere can’t wait to see the dividends of the $7.75 million he is being paid this year.