Dmitry Orlov on joining Carolina: "I wanted to be on a good team who have a big goal to get to the end"
© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports - Dmitry Orlov on joining Carolina: "I wanted to be on a good team who have a big goal to get to the end"The Carolina Hurricanes landed one the biggest free agent targets in Dmitry Orlov when they signed the Russian defenseman to a two-year, $7.75 million AVV contract.
The blueliner has been a solid, two-way force for years and will now be helping the Hurricanes push for the Stanley Cup.
Orlov spoke to the media via Zoom Saturday evening. Here's what he had to say:
On why he chose Carolina: You play against this team so many times and you know how good they are and how hard it is to play against them. Obviously, they’re a great team and at this time, I have this decision in my life with testing free agency and I needed to make a good decision for me. I wanted to play on a good team, so I think I made the right decision and I’m happy to be with Carolina.
On signing just a two-year deal: It just happened quickly and I wanted to take this opportunity because a lot of things are going on in a lot of places. I was able to sign somewhere so I don’t have to think too, too long. When it popped up, me and my agent talked about what’s best for me and my family and, like I said, I wanted to be on a good team who have a big goal to get to the end.
On joining a stacked blueline in Carolina: They have a good D-corp. They all are good skaters and good offensively and defensively, so for sure it’s nice. I think in team sports, you need to use everyone and every player so I don’t come to take some job, I just want to play my best game and win some games and get to playoff times. It’s always tough to win. I was traded to Boston, who were best team in regular season, but in the playoffs, things can happen. I’ve had that experience three times when your team wins the Presidents’ Trophy and lose in the first or second round. It’s a team sport and it’s nice when you have a lot of good players on the same team. Carolina is a great opportunity to play good and win.
On if the Hurricanes' "active" defensive style was a convincing factor: Yeah, for sure. I try to play on both sides, defensively and offensively, but I know Carolina likes to be in the offensive zone. All five players are in hard on the forecheck. It’s fun to play with the puck more in the offensive zone. As an offensive player, you want to be on this team and it’s why I signed here.
On if he considered re-signing in Boston: The salary cap, it’s not easy sometimes. I think you can see all the signings going on in the league. It’s different. Maybe if they extended the salary cap some players can sign where they want, but you’re always going to have to make a decision at the bottom line of where you really want to go, where you want to play. If you don’t care you could go- I don’t want to answer badly about Arizona - but it’s tough when you don’t have a building. It’s not easy. Boston was good to me. But right now, I’m with another good team and I’m looking forward and can’t wait for the start.
On the emotions he was going through knowing he was going to be a UFA: I would say the last month was tough. The end of the season was hard, just thinking of where you’re going to be. You think maybe some teams will call you early or something, but nothing was going on. I think the most important thing is I’m in Carolina now and my focus is on that. I’m ready to start working and get prepared. I’m just really excited.
On what he knows about Andrei Svechnikov: I know Svech, he’s obviously a good guy. Strong with a lot of skill.
On what he expects playing against Alex Ovechkin will be like: It’s always fun as a defenseman to try and find ways to play against good forwards. Like if he’s smaller and faster or if he’s a bigger body, you always have to adapt yourself to play against good forwards. I played against Washington in Boston, but Ovie didn’t play, which is good because he’s a friend. He can score, he can shoot, he can hit and he’s a superstar in this league. For sure it’s not going to be easy, but it’ll just be another way I have to focus my game with Carolina. It is what it is. It’s life. I have a new team and I’m going to have new friends. It’s a good experience. I just have to bring a good mood and bring everything on the ice to give a chance to win.