Dynamic Defenceman Could Be the Hurricanes X Factor in the Playoffs.
Dmitry Orlov‘s performance since signing with the Carolina Hurricanes in the offseason has been largely hot and cold. Or maybe cold then hot. He came to Carolina as one of the biggest offseason free agent signings with high expectations. Following good performances with both the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins, he was set to make Carolina’s strong defence even stronger. After a slow start, Dmitry Orlov has settled into Carolina’s system and is providing that strong performance that the Hurricanes hoped for.
What Makes Orlov an X Factor
Webster’s Dictionary defines an X factor as “a circumstance, quality, or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence.” So when you think of an X factor for Carolina, the “unpredictable” aspect rules out many players like Sebastian Aho and Jake Guentzel. And while you could make the case possibly for a few other players as an X factor, here we argue that Carolina’s big offseason signing Orlov could be their biggest.
Dmitry Orlov’s Season Performance
As mentioned above, Orlov started off the season slow. At $7.75 million AAV for two years, many felt he was taking up unnecessary cap space. But as the season moved forward, he started settling in with defensive partner Jalen Chatfield. That pairing started performing as one the best third pairs in the league for expected goals against and goals against per 60 minutes. For a third pairing, they were performing about as well as you’d want for a third pair. Both could skate fairly well, both didn’t mind playing physical, and both didn’t mind jumping up on offence knowing the other could cover on defence.
But Orlov individually has six goals and 20 assists in 77 games. Not earth-shattering numbers. But it is his later season numbers that partially show why he may be the Hurricanes X factor. Since January 1, 2024, Orlov has five goals and eight assists. So his points are split fairly evenly but the majority of his goals have come since the turn of the year. As Orlov has gotten more comfortable in the Hurricanes season, his goal-scoring has increased. And this positive trend could be huge as all sights turn to the postseason. With Carolina utilizing their defence for offence, a strong Orlov is a major asset.
