Orlov Expresses Interest In Returning To Capitals In Free Agency, But Not Sure How It'd Work Out

The 32-year-old will be a UFA and said that he isn't sure a move to the Capitals would work out.

As Dmitry Orlov prepares to hit the free agent market for the first time in his career, it appears that he is hopeful that it'll lead him back to the Washington Capitals.

Orlov, who was traded to the Boston Bruins along with Garnet Hathaway as part of general manager Brian MacLellan's sell-off prior to the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, told reporters on breakdown day that Washington could be an option as he explores his next steps.

"It's tough -- probably yeah," Orlov said of seeking a potential return to the Capitals. "Gonna talk to my agent. How I see, if they trade me, I don't think it's gonna work out, but we'll see."

Prior to his trade, Orlov had been with the organization since 2009. He spent 11 years playing for Washington, putting up 256 points in 686 games and becoming one of the franchise leaders in games played by a defenseman while helping the team to the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Orlov said that upon arriving in Boston, he felt welcome and enjoyed closing out a historic regular season run with the team. The Bruins were also Stanley Cup favorites but saw their run end in the first round after a stunning upset at the hands of the Florida Panthers.

"It was great from the start right away. I didn't say Washington was bad, just different," Orlov explained, adding, "I just enjoy hockey and it's important. I've been 11 years in this league... you still have to have that [love for hockey] in your life... I have good feeling back and I really enjoyed this time."

The 32-year-old still doesn't know what's next, though, and will take the necessary time to figure things out.

"I still don't know what my plan is, if I fly back to Washington or stay here, so it's just a lot of things," Orlov said of his future. "Obviously gonna have to make a decision where I'm gonna be. I need to talk to my family and go from there."