Free Agency: Dmitry Orlov Is Set To Get A Huge Payday

As the free agent class for defensemen thins out with the re-signings of Vladislav Gavrikov and Damon Severson, Orlov, the Boston Bruins' trade deadline acquisition, finds himself in a prime position to cash in on a big payday in just a couple of weeks.

At the age of 31, Orlov has emerged as the top player in the free agent market, according to Daily Faceoff's latest Top 50 Free Agents ranking. AFP Analytics predicts that Orlov will command the highest salary cap hit among all remaining pending free agents.

Given the recent contracts signed by Severson and Gavrikov (8 years, $6.25 million and 2 years, $5.875 million, respectively), AFP Analytics' projection of $6.25 million may actually be on the conservative side. In fact, rumors have been swirling that Orlov could potentially earn as much as $8 million per year, depending on the length of his contract. While that figure may seem ambitious, there's no doubt that he will be handsomely rewarded.

Orlov's projected earnings fall just short of his Bruins teammate Tyler Bertuzzi, who is also in talks for a contract extension. To accommodate Bertuzzi's potential deal, Boston will need to clear some cap space, making players like Taylor Hall, Matt Grzelcyk, Brandon Carlo, and Mike Reilly potential trade targets or buyout candidates.

Since joining the Bruins, Orlov has brought an offensive spark to his game that was somewhat lacking during his time in Washington. The Bruins acquired him in exchange for a first and second-round pick, a move that has paid off handsomely.

In just 23 games with the spoked-B on his chest, Orlov tallied an impressive 17 points, nearly matching his production of 19 points in 43 games with the Capitals. He continued his strong play in the postseason, contributing eight points in the Bruins' seven-game series against the eventual conference champions, the Florida Panthers.

Hockey fans can mark their calendars for Saturday, July 1, when free agency officially opens at 12 noon ET. It's sure to be an exciting time as teams scramble to secure top talent, with Dmitry Orlov at the forefront of the conversation.

Source: Dailyfaceoff