Petr Kochetkov isn’t afraid to show how he feels, and when it came to the Carolina Hurricanes’ decision to let Dmitry Orlov walk in free agency, the Hurricanes’ goalie spoke his mind. For Kochetkov, this wasn’t just about losing a teammate, but saying goodbye to a friend he leaned on during his early NHL days. How do you move forward when a piece of your support system is suddenly gone? That’s what Kochetkov had to figure out.
Why Did the Carolina Hurricanes Let Dmitry Orlov Leave in Free Agency?
Kochetkov, who made a splash when he burst onto the scene and quickly became one of Carolina’s main goaltenders, didn’t dodge any questions about his reaction to Orlov leaving. He talked about his own growth with the Hurricanes over the years, then got honest about what it felt like to lose someone he trusted on and off the ice.
“I won’t hide it, I took it sadly,” Kochetkov admitted. “It’s a shame to lose such a player and such a friend. In the first year, we communicated quite closely, often spent time together, and became close during this period. I knew that Carolina did not make him the offer he was expecting, and I understood that he was unlikely to stay. We were in touch when the market opened.”DONE DEAL
Dmitry Orlov is now a member of the @SanJoseSharks! #NHLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/rjjJ5lz0G3
— NHL (@NHL) July 3, 2025
Kochetkov explained that during the start of free agency, Orlov was under a lot of stress, worried about the next steps. Not wanting to add to that, Kochetkov kept his distance at first. When they finally talked, Orlov mentioned that rumors had him linked to several teams, but the move to the San Jose Sharks was a shock even to him.
Orlov took Kochetkov through everything that happened with his negotiations, pointing out the emotional side and the pressure that comes with high-stakes decisions. Kochetkov also said that jumping into free agency is always mentally exhausting for players because of all the uncertainty. Since Orlov had already dealt with free agency twice before, he was prepared for the ups and downs that come with that process.
What Did Dmitry Orlov Mean to the Carolina Hurricanes?
Orlov’s exit marks the close of a strong run with Carolina. On the ice, he played a big role defensively and was out there for plenty of important minutes. Orlov stacked up 28 points, with six goals and 22 assists, in 76 games last season, finishing third among Hurricanes defensemen in points. He also led all Carolina defenders in hits with 101 and was tied for second in plus-minus at +16, proving he was both a physical force and a reliable piece of the team’s blue line.
Plus, Orlov hit a bunch of milestones while he was in Carolina, including his 300th NHL point during an October matchup with New Jersey and skating in his 800th game against Boston a few weeks later. He also hit a personal best in November, running up a six-game assist streak. Those kinds of numbers showed just how valuable he was as a veteran presence in the locker room.
Despite his clear impact, Carolina and Orlov just couldn’t find common ground on a new contract. That’s what opened the door for him to sign with the Sharks instead. Orlov, now 33, leaves behind 867 games of NHL experience and a playoff history that includes 10 straight years in the postseason. He’s even got a Stanley Cup ring from his days with Washington and boasts 107 playoff games and 41 points as a top-pair defenseman.
How Will Dmitry Orlov’s Departure Affect the Hurricanes Moving Forward?
Last season, Orlov once again proved himself come playoff time, helping Carolina reach the Conference Final. He chipped in four assists and was credited with the most hits among the Hurricanes’ defensemen at 39. Now, as he starts a new chapter with San Jose, Orlov leaves behind a big hole in Carolina’s blue line, not just in the stats but in the culture and chemistry of the team. His absence will be felt on the ice and in the locker room, as the Hurricanes look to move forward into the 2024-25 campaign.
