Report out of Russia Reveal Stanley Cup Champion Defensemen May be Playing his Last Season in the NHL

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Graham Montgomery
October 25, 2024 (8:53 PM)

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Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov could be heading back to Russia next season according to a report from a Russian sports journalist.

The report comes from Sport-Express journalist Arthur Khairullin, who is well acquainted with Russian players in the NHL coming and going to and from North America. Interestingly, he seems to believe that Orlov is expected to sign with SKA St. Petersburgh, replacing Hurricanes prospect Alexander Nikishin, who is expected to make the jump to the NHL next season.

"He missed the beginning of the season, but confidently returned to the lineup, plays 25 minutes per game and shows himself to be an absolutely ready defenseman for the first two pairs of Carolina. After this season, he should replace Dmitry Orlov in the Hurricanes lineup, who will most likely sign with SKA."

In a weird way, this would almost be like a trade between the two clubs, something that is not allowed. However, as the Hurricanes retain Nikishin's rights and Orlov is a free agent this summer, the scenario is indeed very possible. Notably, SKA is also where Evgeni Kuznetsov plays, one of Orlov's old teammates with the Washington Capitals and one of his dear friends as well. Kuznetsov himself seems to believe that he will be reunited with his old friend next summer, adding to the validity of this report.

«I think it won't be long,» Kuznetsov said then. «I think we'll reunite next year (laughs). It's a joke. It's always nice with Dima, we communicate well. He knows the real Zhenya Kuznetsov. He is one of the few people I can share with. We are in constant contact. In a year, I hope [he comes]. This is my wish and that of another person"

With that being said, Canes fans seem to believe that the team would be interested in re-signing Orlov. After all, he is still an effective player in the NHL. Furthermore, he has proven to be very useful for his general awareness, as he astutely prevented teammate Pyotr Kochetkov from earning a 10-game suspension earlier this season.

Either way, change should be coming to the team's blueline. For example, Brent Burns, who made the highlight reel earlier this month with an unusual blocked shot, is a pending free agent. At 39 years old, this may very well be his final season in the league altogether, creating another opening on the team's blueline. Nikishin should have a big impact immediately, but the team will still need more depth next year, so be sure to stay tuned to see how the team addresses this need.