Dmitry Orlov Profile

Skating

8
Stickhandling

7
Defensive play

8
Scoring

7
Hockey sense

7
Size

8

Grade: 8C

History

2007-08: Dmitry Orlov started making a name for himself as he was one of the best players for team Russia at the WHC U-17 in Canada, in which he was the top scoring defenseman tied with Nashville's Ryan Ellis. Later in the season he played with Russia-90 at the WJC U18, grabbing a silver medal. He also skated in his first pro games with Metallurg Novokuznetsk.

2008-09: Orlov's play with Metallurg Novokuznetsk has been upgraded and he managed to score his first goal as pro with a blue line shot. Later in the season he was one of the leaders of the Russia-91 team that grabbed another silver medal at the U18 WJC. His play convinced the Washington Capitals to draft him during the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft. After the selections he skated at the Caps development camp. A rumor arisen about him joining the Caps, but it has been shut down rather quickly.

2009-10: Orlov had a good KHL season with a total of seven points. His offensive abilities gave him sometimes a spot of fourth line center. He had a good WJC despite Russia had a terrible tournament getting beaten by Switzerland during the quarter finals. Orlov finished the tournament with four assists. After the KHL season he skated once again in the Caps' development camp.

Talent Analysis

Dmitry Orlov is an offensive defenseman with a very hard shot from the blue line. He can wind up a slapper with ease and such big shot can cause havoc among defensemen and goalkeepers, but he needs to work on its accuracy. Orlov is a very good powerplay player because he can rely not only on his shooting abilities, but also on his excellent puck skills like very good stickhandling and reading of the play. The offensive defenseman native of Novokuznetsk, Russia, needs to improve his physical play in order to be more effective in the North American environment.

Future

Dmitry Orlov has definitely the potential needed to play in the NHL. He still needs some KHL seasoning before thinking about having a realistic chance at the Capitals' roster, even if the Russian friendly environment of the Washington franchise might help him to adapt quickly. He's under contract with Metallurg Novokuznetsk up to April 2012 and is going to spend the 2010-11 season with them.

Orlov Watch

September 25, 2010
Orlov was on the first line for Metallurg Nk's defeat against Metallurg Mg. No points, 16:45 TOI
October 1, 2010
Orlov played first line hockey during 3-0 defeat against Amur. 16:17 TOI, 4 shots, even
October 2, 2010
Orlov played 1st line hockey during 5-3 defeat to Amur Khabarovsk. 15:42 TOI, -1, 0 PIMs, 2 shots.
October 8, 2010
Orlov was the most used player of his team when Metallurg Nk defeated Amur 4-2. No points, 20:59 TOI, 2 shots, 0 PIMs
October 10, 2010
Not the best game for Orlov when Met Nk loses to Avtomobilist at home 3-4 (OT). 20:19 TOI, -1, 4 shots, no points
October 12, 2010
Orlov demoted to the third line for the game against Neftekhimik, lost 3-2 SO. 17:55 TOI, 2 shots, no points, no PIMs
October 16, 2010
Dmitry Orlov didn't skate during Metallurg Nk's game vs Avangard
October 19, 2010
No points for Dmitry Orlov when Metallurg Nk loses to Yugra 4-2. 17:33 TOI, 1 SOG, 0 PIMs, even
October 21, 2010
Big game by Dmitry Orlov when Metallurg Nk defeats Barys 1-2 OT, scored 1 PP goal and 1 assist, 3 shots, 16:36 TOI, 4 PIMs
October 24, 2010
Dmitry Orlov promoted to second line for the game against Avangard, lost 3-1. 15:13 TOI, 1 shot, even, 0 PIMs
October 26, 2010
Dmitry Orlov didn't skate during Metallurg Nk's game.
November 2, 2010
Third line for D. Orlov when Metallurg Nk loses to SKA 4-3. 3 shots, no PIMs, 18:35 TOI
November 4, 2010
No points for Dmitry Orlov when Metallurg Nk loses to Spartak. 20:46 TOI, +1
November 6, 2010
No points for Orlov when Metallurg Nk loses to Severstal 4-2. One of the few plus players. 19:25 TOI, no PIMs, 1 shot