SIGNED: Dmitry Orlov Finds A New Home In Free Agency

The top defenseman on the free agent market is off the board, as Dmitry Orlov has left the Boston Bruins to head to an Eastern Conference rival, signing a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Orlov 2x$7.75M in Carolina
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2023

Orlov, to turn 32 this summer, is clearly betting on himself, signing only a two-year deal, worth $7.75M AAV, hoping for another big contract at age-34.

It's a huge move for the Hurricanes to add to an already strong defensive corps, and leaves open the question if they'll be looking to ship out another D-man for some offensive help. Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, who are both entering their contract years, come to mind.

Orlov is a top-pairing blueliner, who can move the puck, be a playmaker, and play strong in his own zone as well. He finished this past season with 36 points in 66 games and was a plus-12. He's finished as a "plus" in plus/minus in each of his 11 seasons, except one.

And despite the huge add on the backline, Insider Pierre LeBrun says this signing doesn't mean Carolina is done making big moves.

The Orlov signing does not take Carolina out of the Erik Karlsson trade talks. The ‘Canes still have room and interest in Karlsson.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2023