Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov reportedly leaving the NHL
Photo credit: Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers
The Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov could reportedly leave the NHL, according to an insider.
Set to be a free agent at the end of the current season, the veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov could be looking to sign in the KHL with the St. Petersburg SKA, putting an end to his hockey career in North America.
Orlov, who signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, could join his former Washington Capitals and Hurricanes teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov with the SKA as soon as his contract ends.
Kuznetsov himself opened up about that possibility:
"I think it won't be long. 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"
Arthur Khairullin, a Russian reporter covering the NHL and the KHL, wrote in a recent paper that Alexander Nikishin, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect currently playing with the SKA, could replace Orlov in the top four, while Orlov could take Nikishin's spot in the KHL.
Here's what he said about Nikishin:
"He missed the beginning of the season but confidently returned to the lineup, plays 25 minutes per game, and shows himself to be absolutely ready 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."
Nikishin, 23, was drafted 69th overall by the Canes in 2020. He's been a standout defenseman in the KHL for the past years, scoring 124 points, including 33 goals in 149 games since 2022.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 26 | 15 ANSWERS Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov reportedly leaving the NHL Do you think Dmitry Orlov will leave the NHL after the current season? | ||
| Yes | 11 | 73.3 % |
| No | 4 | 26.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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