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Hurricanes Top Four Defenseman Expected to Hit Free Agency, per Insider

Originally posted on Blade of Steel
By Graham Montgomery | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 9:47 PM ET

NHL insider James Mirtle has reported that the Carolina Hurricanes are not expected to re-sign free agent defenseman Dmitry Orlov.

Dmitry Orlov is a hardened NHL veteran defenseman with over 800 career regular-season appearances across 13 seasons.

He has spent the last two seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, reaching the eastern conference finals both years.

He has 12 goals and 54 points in 158 career games with the Hurricanes.

He had 10 points in 26 playoff games with the club, including four assists in 15 games this season.

But now, according to NHL insider James Mirtle, the 33-year-old is not expected to re-sign with the team this summer.

This makes sense considering the latest update from Hurricanes reporter Walt Ruff, who revealed in May that Orlov and the team had not discussed a possible contract extension.

Orlov joins a free agent class that is highlighted by Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner.

Marner aside, this year's class of free agents is considered to be relatively weak, but the Hurricanes probably won't regret letting Orlov walk.

This is because the team already has six defenseman under contract for next season, including rookies Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin.

Nikishin in particular is expected to play a huge role for Carolina next season after coming over from the KHL.

The 23-year-old Russian will be one of the favorites for the Calder trophy next season after he put up over 150 points across the last three seasons in Russia.

He appeared in four playoff games with Carolina as he made his NHL debut this spring, recording his first career point with an assist.

Nikishin should replace Orlov in the Hurricanes lineup next season as the team looks to solve their Eastern Conference Finals woes.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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