2 Frontrunners To Sign Dmitry Orlov This Offseason

There appears to be two teams who are front-runners to UFA Dmitry Orlov this summer. He played his entire career for the Washington Capitals before they were out of the race for the playoffs and traded him to the Boston Bruins, only for them to be eliminated in Round 1. According to Matt Porter, Orlov is open to re-signing with the Bruins, but it sounds like his preference is to sign another contract with the Capitals.

Orlov did amazing for the Bruins once he went over, scoring four goals and 17 points in 23 regular season games and adding eight assists in the first round series vs the Florida Panthers. He has never really been that player he showed he was offensively for the Capitals throughout his career as his previous career highs were 12 goals and 35 points in 2021-22. At age 31, Orlov combined to score seven goals and 36 points, but it appears as though he is getting better with age and really rounding out his game.

The Capitals were lacking that offensive contribution from the blue line as John Carlson missed a fair bit of time this season. Even though Erik Gustafsson stepped up in his absence, he is more of a power-play specialist. Orlov put up 13 of his 17 points with the Bruins at even strength or shorthanded.

Looking at the Capitals' defense, there is room as the team will be looking to bolster their roster and make a run at the playoffs once again. Orlov is a left defense, which would give Washington Orlov, Martin Fehervary, Rasmus Randin, and Alexander Alexeyev. While the first three are solidified NHL defensemen and Sandin really broke out once he was traded to Washington, Alexeyev may not be ready just yet and Fehervary can also play the right side. The Capitals have options and if Orlov wants to sign with them, it will only help the team get back to the postseason.

And though Orlov may be leaning towards signing with the Capitals, his play and chemistry on Boston has to be at the forefront of his mind. The problem is they may not have much cap space to re-sign him if they don't make some changes.