Dmitri Orlov: Anything is possible

When the Washington Capitals selected Dmitri Orlov in the second round of the last draft, I don't think anyone predicted that this 5'11'' Russian would make any kind of impression very soon. Although right after the draft Orlov himself told the media that he was looking forward to playing in the NHL (as translated by Gennadi Boguslavski, Montreal-based Sovetsky Sport reporter) in this clip:

But Orlov did impress a lot of fans and media attending the Capitals' Development Camp earlier this month. Even Coach Boudreau told Alex Perlmutter of the Capital Letter: "I think Orlov's really making an impression. [He] does a lot of things well for a guy that doesn't know the language. He's got pure skill and he plays a tough game too." (h/t OnFrozenBlog)

For more reactions to Orlov's game and potential make sure you read puckandbooks' excellent overview over at OnFrozenBlog and Mike Vogel's piece describing Orlov's game.

After the camp was over, as I reported, Orlov went back to Russia and rejoined his KHL club Metallurg Novokuznetsk in preparations for the new season in the KHL. Recently, Orlov spoke to the local Novokuznetsk media regarding his trip to Washington (here is an excerpt from the interview):

"I have only the best impressions of my trip to the training camp. I liked everything very much. The training process was good. I endured a lot physically during the week. So, overall, I am happy with everything."

What was the most surprising in the way of life during the time you spent in the US?

"It was difficult not knowing the language. But Dmitry Kugryshev, who last season played in North America, helped me. But overall everything was good. Out training camp was held in a mall. We lived about a five minute walk away from the place. Everything was close, so everything suited me."

How long was the development camp?

"It was a week long, but I arrived a week earlier. I spent two weeks overseas. Before the development camp began, I trained with Anton Gustafsson, who was drafted by the Capitals in the first round a year before. Our training was overseen by the [Capitals'] fitness coach. After that all the other guys arrived. There were two practice sessions every day -- gym and ice in the evening. We arrived at the facility at 8am and left only at 6pm."

Did you get very tired?

"Well, yes. The pressure was substantial. So it was actually tough."

Did you get a chance to personally talk to anyone from the management?

"On the last day of the camp every player had a conversation with a Capitals representative. Dmitry Kugryshev and I spoke with the lead scout. He gave us some advice and wished us luck."

Were you told when they expect you in Washington?

"I wasn't told anything certain."

What clubs are in your plans for the upcoming season?

"I don't know yet. I am still thinking. But anything is possible."

So, there you have it. Orlov was happy with the development camp. His work ethic probably shouldn't be a question: he arrived a week early to train on his own to get ready for the camp. The Capitals certainly like him. The only problem might be the new KHL rules regarding restricted free agents that I talked about yesterday over at Puck Daddy. But as Orlov himself said: "Anything is possible."