It’s been a mixed year for prospect development in the Devils system, but one Russian defender is rising quickly up the ranks.
Thirty games into the season, Daniil Orlov has already set his KHL career high in points with 16. Drafted as a defensive defenseman, Orlov has shown flashes of offense in the seasons that followed, albeit in limit opportunities as a young defender in the KHL. Utilizing his speed, Orlov excels on the rush when given the chance. Take a look at this goal from last week.
That’s an impressive goal for someone who was once considered purely a “defensive defenseman” when he was drafted according to Elite Prospects. The Devils will have to wait on Orlov, who is signed through 2027-28. At 21-years-old, Orlov will still be in his prime years at the conclusion of that contract. Whether he ever comes over is an open question, but the timing may work out as Siegenthaler and Hamilton’s contracts both expire that season.
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