There are few people closer to Evgeny Kuznetsov than Dmitry Orlov. Until this season, Kuznetsov had spent all 11 years of his North American professional career sharing the same locker room as Orlov.
If anyone has genuine insight into why Kuznetsov fell out of favor with the Washington Capitals and eventually out of the NHL altogether, it’d be Orlov. The veteran blueliner recently shared his thoughts on the situation in a lengthy interview with Sport-Express’s Igor Rabiner.
“Of course, we discuss things, share them with each other – although sometimes you keep your worries to yourself,” Orlov said to Sport-Express per a Google Translation. “But I think the relationship with the coach had an effect. When he trusts you, you see it, and it’s very important. But when something worries you and you withdraw into yourself, close yourself off, dig into yourself – it starts to bother you. Especially for such an open guy as Zhenya.”
The coach Orlov seems to be referring to is Peter Laviolette, who both players played under on the Capitals for parts of three seasons. Kuznetsov has publicly stated his distaste for playing under Laviolette, pointing to Washington’s hiring of the long-time NHL coach as the reason for the franchise’s downturn after winning the 2018 Stanley Cup.
Orlov did not experience the end of Laviolette’s tenure in DC, as he was traded to the Boston Bruins at the 2023 trade deadline. Kuznetsov outlasted Laviolette and played for Spencer Carbery for part of last season, giving the rookie bench boss a glowing review for their time together.
“That’s why I was glad to see him smile in Carolina,” Orlov said. “He had a tough season, which, in general, didn’t work out. But he came to the Hurricanes with new strength, emotions, and focus. He tried to bring his own twist to our systemic game. A great master! He’s gone to Russia now, to SKA, and I hope everything will work out well for him there.”
Kuznetsov jumped back to the KHL this past offseason. He mutually terminated the final year of his contract with the Hurricanes to sign a four-year, incentive-laden deal with SKA.
Orlov remains on Carolina’s roster, where he signed in free agency at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.
“As a friend, you should support a friend – regardless of what you think about it,” Orlov said. “Yes, of course, we can discuss something, and I will express my opinion. But he did what he wanted, what is important for his family. I think the decision was made at the family council. And if the Kuznetsovs did this, it means that this is the best they could have chosen. I wish him only good luck, I support him and want him and his family to be happy. We are in touch, of course.”
Kuznetsov immediately became one of the KHL’s top players, just as he was when he left the league for the NHL in 2014. Through 29 games, the 32-year-old centerman has recorded 28 points (10g, 18a). He leads SKA in scoring and is ranked within the league’s top 10 in points per game (.966).
Orlov wouldn’t rule out an eventual return to the NHL for Kuznetsov after the latter’s hot start. Kuznetsov would be 36 at the end of his deal with SKA.
“I don’t know,” Orlov said. “He has a four-year contract with SKA. God willing, everything will work out well. And then we’ll see.”