Orlov Not Angry With Capitals For Trade, Shares Hopes For Free Agency & Next Contract

The former Capitals defenseman would feel more stability with a long-term contract this summer.

Dmitry Orlov was surprised to find out that the Washington Capitals had traded him ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, but as he approaches free agency, he said he has no ill will toward his former team.

Orlov said in an interview with Sport-Express that he thought he would spend his entire career in D.C., but he doesn't hold anything against management for shipping him out amid a team-wide sell-off.

"I don't think it's the right feeling [to be angry]," Orlov told Alexey Shevchenko. "After all, managers work in the interest of the club. They considered it right to trade me. They have their own [view], and I have mine."

Orlov, along with Garnet Hathaway, finished the season with the top-ranked Boston Bruins while Craig Smith went the other way to the Capitals. The Russian broke out with the Bruins, dishing 17 points in 23 games. That strong play carried over into the postseason, but Boston fell to the Florida Panthers in a shocking upset in seven games.

Now, for the first time in his career, Orlov is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and he's looking forward to seeing what opportunities are out there.

"I'm really looking forward to the market opening and negotiations starting," Orlov added.

Back on Bruins breakdown day, Orlov hadn't ruled out a possible return to Washington. However, he said he wasn't sure how well that would work out, considering the fact that he was traded.

And when it comes to what he's looking for in a deal, it seems that a D.C. reunion isn't exactly likely.

"Of course, I'd like a long contract. It gives stability and calmness," Orlov said. "But there are many nuances; you can't take everything into account."

General manager Brian MacLellan said back at the trade deadline that he and Orlov had touched base about an extension before his trade, but those negotiations dropped off as Orlov appeared to lean more toward exploring free agency.

Plus, the Capitals have a plan in place for this offseason, including revamping the top-6 and addressing the forwards. The blue line is pretty much set, with Rasmus Sandin, Martin Fehervary and Alex Alexeyev making up the left side, so it'd be difficult to fit Orlov in.

At the end of the day, the 32-year-old is looking forward to his next landing spot, no matter where that is.

"I had a good end to the regular season and the playoffs with Boston, so I'm confident," Orlov said.