As the Carolina Hurricanes continue to win hockey games, they also wait for the Washington Capitals to cool off and leave an opening for the top of the Metro Division. The Canes struck early with the first move in the Metro, acquiring Taylor Hall and Mikko Rantanen. The roster has been solid as head coach, Rod Brind'Amour preaches team hockey. Some players have stood out this year and have chosen the right time to post top numbers.
Dmitry Orlov is just two points away from matching last season's point total. Just 53 games into the season, the 33-year-old Russian has plenty of time to reach his all-time high in points, 36. The former Washington defender reached that career-high the year before signing with the Canes. It comes as no surprise that Orlov's contract expires after this season.
The 13-year veteran has been averaging 19:54 on the ice this year, which is a huge increase from last season's 17:19. It took time for Brind'Amour to get comfortable with Orlov and now Brind'Amour is being rewarded with solid play in both zones. Orlov's plus 17 is a drastic improvement from last season as well.
The former second-round pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft is also dangerously close to another career high. The giveaways have picked up enormously this season with 63 in 53 games and his career high was 80 in 2018.
Orlov is not the top offensive defender, and his defensive game has some holes, but he is well-rounded and has the experience of winning a Stanley Cup. He does not have one glaring flaw but can do many things well, which makes him very attractive to NHL general managers.
With the Canes dangerously close to the salary cap ceiling currently, it is hard to see that Orlov will remain in Raleigh past this season. Orlov will be searching for his final, "big" contract, and the Canes will not have much room to top the offer list. Brent Burns will also need a new contract and recently acquired, Rantanen, will jump to the top of the priority list.
Although it is great for Orlov and the Canes, the better he plays to end the season the likelihood of playing for another organization next season.