NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has shut down rumors that former Boston Bruins fan favorite Dmitry Orlov would be returning to the KHL in July.

There were rumors surrounding the current Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov would return to the KHL at the end of the 2024-2025 season rather than continuing his career in the NHL.

On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman would shoot that rumor down immediately.

In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Friedman reported that despite rumors linking the 33-year-old to the KHL, “there was no truth to that rumor. Orlov intends to stay in the NHL.” <.q>

But he is a pending UFA at the end of the season, as his 2-year, $7.75 million AAV deal will expire.

This season in 75 games with the Hurricanes, he's scored 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists) and is currently playing in the top-four of the Canes defensive pairs.

He signed the deal on July 1st, 2023, with the Canes, and there's no idea where his career will end up next. But his team, the Canes, will face off against the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

There's no word of when or how the Hurricanes will re-sign him, but if he does make it to free agency, there are teams who could use a top-four defenseman with a good amount of playoff experience under his belt.

This is Orlov's 13th season in the NHL, and he has played for the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes.

Orlov was drafted 55th overall in the 2nd round of the 2009 draft by the Washington Capitals.