Fansided

NHL free agency: Ranking the best defenseman options

By Marci Rubin

Apr 2, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) hits New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) hits New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 10
Next
Apr 17, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Dmitry Orlov (81) takes a shot against the Florida Panthers during the third period of game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Dmitry Orlov (81) takes a shot against the Florida Panthers during the third period of game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

Top NHL UFA defenseman options: 1. Dmitry Orlov

Age: 31
2022-23 teams: Washington Capitals/Boston Bruins

The best defenseman in the 2023 free-agent market is Dmitry Orlov. He played part of the season with the Boston Bruins after being traded by his longtime team, the Washington Capitals, ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. It seemed like a surprising move because Orlov had been with the Capitals for over a decade, but the move made sense because the Capitals gained draft picks that will help them restock their prospect pool. Orlov’s previous contract was a six-year deal worth $30.6 million. He won the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018.

Orlov is a strong two-way defenseman who proves his worth on both sides of the ice. He is useful on the penalty kill and the power play, and he doesn’t commit a lot of penalties. Orlov made 137 hits during the 2022-23 regular season. His +/- for the season was 12. Orlov has plenty of offensive upside. He has a wicked slapshot and can execute a one-timer. Orlov had 35 points in 2021-22 with the Capitals and 36 points in 2022-23 between the Capitals and the Bruins.

At 31 years old, this is likely Orlov’s last chance for a long-term contract with a sizable salary. One of the downsides of signing him is that because he’s the best UFA defenseman available, he’s going to come at a high price. Teams who want him will need to be able to pay him what he deserves. He’s expected to get a five-year deal. Orlov’s current team, the Bruins, are unlikely to have the ability to bring him back based on their cap situation.

It’s possible Orlov will reunite with his longtime team if the Capitals can make a deal work. As his former long-term home, the Capitals are probably the only team who have a shot at getting Orlov for a little bit less money. Orlov’s new contract is expected to be one of the biggest splashes in free agency during this offseason.

These ten players are the best defensemen available through free agency this NHL offseason. We’ll find out where each of these notable soon-to-be free agents will land this summer.

Home/NHL Free Agency