Dmitry Orlov, a veteran defenseman for the Boston Bruins, declared on July 1 his intention to explore the free agency market for the first time in his professional career. The news surfaced through Sport Express, signaling a pivotal moment as the NHL off-season opens for business.
Orlov acknowledged his readiness for the market while staying grounded in the moment. He said the prospect of conversations beginning is exciting, even if nothing concrete is on the table yet. He remains under contract with Boston only up to July 1, which means any new terms with the Bruins must be finalized by that date. Beyond that deadline, the path is not yet defined, and he hinted that the situation could shift rapidly in the coming weeks.
The 31-year-old defender joined Boston in a mid-season move from Washington during the 2022/23 NHL campaign. He appeared in 23 regular-season games for the Bruins, tallying 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists). His contributions extended to the playoffs as well, where he produced eight assists. Orlov’s current deal with the Bruins is set to expire at the conclusion of this season, placing him squarely in the spotlight as free agency approaches. His career has been highlighted by a long tenure with the Capitals, beginning in 2011 and culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 2018, a milestone that remains a peak memory for many fans of the franchise.
There was also mention of a potential return to Russia in earlier discussions, a topic that has periodically arisen during his career. While such possibilities have been floated at various moments, the focus in the near term remains on the upcoming market and the decisions that will shape his next chapter in professional hockey.