The Carolina Hurricanes made a bold decision to chase the top free agent available once free agency began in 2023. The team's defense was already good, but adding Dmitry Orlov to the mix allowed the rich to get richer. The deal was for $15.5 million over the next two seasons, though I'd bet teams were willing to give him a longer contract than he signed.
Orlov's time in Raleigh was far from perfect. There were nights when he was an active detriment to the team's success. Other nights, Orlov was on another level. He formed a formidable pair with Jalen Chatfield at even strength and on the penalty kill. Orlov finished his contract with 12 goals and 54 points in 158 games, adding ten points in 26 postseason games.
All signs indicate he'll hit the open market on July 1. He mentioned during his exit interview that his camp hadn't talked to the Hurricanes. That, and Alexander Nikishin's arrival, means his time in Raleigh is likely done. There were rumors that Orlov might return to the KHL, though he brushed those off. Instead, I've laid out three potential NHL spots Orlov could land once free agency begins.
Do I have the slightest clue where Orlov is going to sign, or which clubs have interest in signing him? I do not, but that won't stop me from throwing something at the wall to see what sticks. I tried to find teams that have a little cap space and could use help on the left side of their defense. There are plenty of teams in need, but that doesn't mean Orlov is on their radar.
1. Los Angeles
After a fourth straight loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, the Los Angeles Kings appear stuck. They have some cap space to work with this offseason, sitting at $19 million, but they have to re-sign RFA Alex Laferriere and decide whether they want to keep pending UFA Vladislav Gavrikov. Like Orlov, Gavrikov is a left-handed defenseman, and signing Orlov might be cheaper.
The Kings are already one of the best defensive teams in the league, finishing second in goals against and eighth on the penalty kill. Gavrikov's numbers are very similar to Orlov's offensively. The only real difference is their age, with Gavrikov almost four years younger. It would be the first time in Orlov's career that he has played in the Western Conference, and he'd immediately be on a contender.
2. New York City
This season was an unmitigated disaster for the New York Rangers, and their current position heading into the offseason doesn't make that any easier. They've already traded Chris Kreider to Anaheim, freeing up a little cap space. However, they still have RFAs K'Andre Miller and Will Cuylle to pay. Sweeping changes could be heading for the Big Apple.
Re-signing Miller has to be the Rangers' top priority. If that falls through, Orlov could be a suitable, albeit underwhelming replacement. The left side of New York's defense is already rough. After Miller, New York has Carson Soucy and Urho Vaakanainen, neither of whom poses much of an offensive threat. Admittedly, this is a slightly outlandish spot for Orlov, but never rule anyone out.
3. Calgary
Despite struggling to score goals this season, the Calgary Flames came close to reaching the postseason. Their 96 points weren't quite enough. The Flames finished in the bottom four in scoring, so their focus will be on fixing their offense. However, the state of their defense could allow them to take a run at Orlov.
The Flames don't have much money invested in the left side of the blue line, with Jake Bean's $1.75 million cap hit the largest for the group. They have a lot of cap space to play with, making Orlov a reasonable option. Orlov could also help them on the penalty kill after Calgary finished with the eighth-worst kill. This is another "out there" destination, so don't take too much stock in it.