BREAKING: Bruins Player States He's Gonna Test Out Free Agency

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Austin Sabourin
June 4, 2023 (11:34)

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In a recent report emerging from Russia, Dmitry Orlov, the esteemed defenseman of the Boston Bruins, expressed his eagerness to test the waters as an unrestricted free agent when July 1 rolls around.

According to a translation by Google, Orlov conveyed his sentiments to Sport-Express on June 2, stating,

"This is an unprecedented situation for me. I won't say it's daunting, but I'm genuinely looking forward to the market opening and negotiations commencing. However, nothing is transpiring at the moment. Until July 1, I remain a part of Boston, so until then, I can only sign a new contract with them. But everything will change in a month's time. Of course, I would prefer a long-term contract as it provides stability and peace of mind. But there are numerous factors to consider, and one cannot account for everything."

This revelation from Orlov arrives hot on the heels of another report suggesting that the Boston Bruins hold a strong inclination towards signing the 31-year-old defenseman and potentially trading 29-year-old blueliner Hampus Lindholm to facilitate the move.

Sources indicate that the Bruins possess an intense infatuation with Orlov, surpassing their fondness for Lindholm. Speculation suggests that the team may harbor second thoughts about Lindholm, rendering him available for trade. NHL trade chatter has been rife, with some reports mentioning the possibility of the Bruins considering Taylor Hall, their winger with a $6 million AAV over the next two seasons, as a salary cap casualty.

With this fresh report on Orlov's intentions originating from Russia, the likelihood of the Lindholm trade rumor appears increasingly slim, especially if Orlov remains determined to explore the NHL free agent market come July 1. It is worth noting that Orlov has already expressed interest in the prospect of returning to the Washington Capitals.

"We'll see," Orlov mused on May 2. "It's a difficult decision. Probably, yes. They will discuss with my agent. From my perspective, if they trade me, I don't believe it will work out. But we shall see."

As per Bostonhockeynow