The former Capitals blueliner received a warm welcome back to the Nation's Capital.
WASHINGTON — Dmitry Orlov was emotional as he looked up at the jumbotron at Capital One Arena on Friday, which marked his first game back in D.C. since his trade from the Washington Capitals last year. His return was made even sweeter by the warm welcome he received from the District.
Orlov was greeted by the Capitals with a video tribute at the first media timeout, as well as a standing ovation from the fan base. He skated to center ice and saluted the fans. Here was the tribute:
The Russian had a major impact on D.C. over his 11-year tenure following his selection in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft. In 686 career games with Washington, he had 60 goals and 196 assists for 256 points.
Orlov was traded by the Capitals to the Boston Bruins last February as part of the team's trade deadline sell-off. He then signed a two-year deal with the Hurricanes in the offseason.
Looking back at Orlov's impact, his teammates had nothing but positive things to say about "Snarls."
"Orly was the best. One of my favorite teammates that I ever played with. An ultimate pro — he'd come in, put his head down and put in the work," Tom Wilson said, adding, "He was a teammate that, I think if you go around the room, every guy would stand up for and loved competing with. He's a heck of a player. It sucks not having him here, but it'll be fun to see him over there and give him the gears a little bit."