Veteran defenseman reportedly set to sign in KHL at the end of the season

Orlov, 33, has been a consistent part of the Hurricanes lineup this season. He has shown that he is still an effective player in the world's best league, but just based on his age alone, it is clear that his career is coming to an end. However, like many Russian players, he appears to be extending his career by playing in the KHL after retiring from North American hockey. Furthermore, he appears to be looking to join SKA St. Petersburg where he can join Evgeni Kuznetsov. Meanwhile, Hurricanes prospect defenseman Alexander Nikishin could be heading the other way to replace Orlov in the NHL.

«There is no doubt about Alexander Nikishin,» Khairullin writes per a translation on Google Translate. «He missed the beginning of the season but confidently returned to the lineup, plays 25 minutes per game, and shows himself to be a ready defenseman for the first two pairs of Carolina. After this season, he should replace Dmitry Orlov in the Hurricanes lineup, who will most likely sign with SKA.»

Orlov has already had an eventful season, including saving fellow Russian Pyotr Kochetkov from an automatic 10-game suspension in his first start of the season. Nikishin meanwhile, has continued to develop as one of the best prospects in the Hurricanes system. Earlier this season he set a new franchise record for SKA with 131 career points in the league, leading all defensemen in team history.

Nikishin drafted 69th overall by the Hurricanes in 2020, appears to be on pace to become the next star defenseman in the NHL. Last season he scored 56 points in 67 games in the KHL and this year he has 13 in 17 games. Many scouts believe he is among the best-drafted prospects in the entire world.

He could be coming at the perfect time too. The Hurricanes have had a lot of rister turnover in the past year, and nearly had more as Martin Necas was nearly dealt to the St. Louis Blues this offseason. With Orlov going back to Russia, he should step into a top-four role immediately, and could even quarterback the top powerplay unit as well. Don't be surprised to see the Russian defender among the favorites to win the Calder trophy next season.