The veteran blueliner had an up-and-down first season with Carolina.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov had a slow start to his season, really struggling in the first quarter or so of the year.
However, as time went on, he really adapted to the system and looked much improved in the postseason.
Orlov had six goals and 26 points in the regular season and two goals and six points in 11 postseason games.
The Canes held their first round of exit interviews on Saturday following the conclusion of their 2023-24 season which ended after losing in six games to the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs.
Here’s what Orlov had to say:
On his season: Obviously it sucks right now standing right here and talking about this. It’s tough to lose in the postseason and I thought we had a chance to win the game and comeback for a Game 7. In my season, the first half wasn’t good enough for me, but the second half, I kind of picked it up and started to play much better. Felt more comfortable and I think I showed I can play on this team. Obviously it’s going to be a tough summer. Always frustrating. We don’t know what’s going to happen for next season yet either. A lot of guys need to sign extensions and probably going to be some different guys. But I still think we have a good group and a good team.
On adapting to the system: I wasn’t playing a lot in the first half. For me, as a person and I know myself, it’s hard when you’re not playing a lot. You’re not involved in the game. It’s always hard to adapt and everything, but it is what it is. Right now, probably just forget and refocus for next season. A fresh start for the team. We still have a good group, have some good leadership here. We’re hungry and want to win.
On approach to the summer: You play so many years in this league and you know how hard it is to win and obviously making sure you’re ready. When I came in the league, it was different hockey a little bit. Right now, it’s more faster, more smaller players in the league and you always try to adapt to the game so you still can play and be good. It’s important to have a good summer and prepare yourself and be excited to play for each other because it’s important. If we have a good group inside the locker room, it’s always important and I hope to be a good team in the future.
On pushing the team to re-sign Jalen Chatfield: I’m not GM, but you want to see everyone back because we have a good team. It’s part of the business. It sucks. I was included in it too. When I was in Washington for 12 years and I left. It’s not easy, especially when you play a lot of years on the same team. It is what it is. Everybody adapts to that and focuses on their own life.
