NHL Rumors: 3 Boston Bruins who won’t be on the roster next season
By Marci Rubin
Following a record-setting 65-win regular season and a disappointing Stanley Cup Playoffs exit, the Boston Bruins are tightening up their roster in hopes of a playoff run next season.
The Boston Bruins saw a disappointing end to their 2022-23 season after a phenomenal regular season. An early Round 1 exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs left a sour taste in the Bruins’ mouths. They’ll look to chase the Cup again in 2023-24.
The NHL offseason has only just begun, but there’s already been a flurry of moves around the league. The Bruins have been in on the action. They recently traded winger Taylor Hall and the rights to pending UFA winger Nick Foligno in exchange for pending RFA defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula.
More moves are sure to come as the offseason continues. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some players who have probably played their last game as a Boston Bruin.
Bruins who won’t be on the roster next season: 1. Dmitry Orlov
Pending UFA Dmitry Orlov probably won’t be back with the Boston Bruins next season. With the Bruins’ salary cap issues and Orlov’s price tag, it just won’t work out. He’s projected to be the top defenseman available via free agency on July 1. Orlov was traded to the Bruins ahead of the 2023 trade deadline by his long-time team, the Washington Capitals. The Capitals made the move to gain draft picks to restock on prospects.
It already seemed unlikely Orlov would be extended by the Bruins, but now it’s all but a sure bet that he was just a rental. Earlier this week, Bruins GM Don Sweeney told the media that the Bruins are unlikely to re-sign Orlov. It comes down to cost — they just can’t afford him.
The two-way defenseman tallied 36 points during the 2022-23 regular season. He made 137 hits and blocked 85 shots. Orlov is strong on both the penalty kill and the power play.
Heading into his age 32 season, this is likely Orlov’s last chance for a big payday. With the state of the group of UFA defenseman available this summer, a team is going to make a deal with Orlov that he’ll like. That deal just won’t be with the Bruins.