#43 Dmitri Orlov – The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings

Christopher Ralph is a hockey writer with a focus on prospects and the entry draft, as well as the Leafs’ correspondent here at THW.

“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:

Dmitri Orlov {www.russian prospects.com}

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43. Dmitri Orlov – Defenseman

Date of birth: July 23, 1991
Place of birth: Novokuznetsk, USSR (now Russia)
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 197

One-Timer: My THW colleague, Alessandro Seren Rosso, provided a fantastic analysis of this Russian prospect. He is first and foremost an offensive defenseman and though solid back in the own zone, but must work on his overall awareness. He’s a very good skater with good first step and balance. Despite his size, he can play with an edge and is not scared of physical play. He has good offensive instincts and hockey intelligence. He moves the puck well, trying to make simple, but effective, plays. He possesses a nice point shot. He has been captain of the national team numerous times, displaying his leadership abilities.

NHL Player(s) Comparison: Andrei Markov

Bio/Interview Links:

http://www.russianprospects.com/public/article.php?article_id=647

http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=5525&tab=prf

Scouting Combine Performance:

Orlov, impressively, tied for the 3^rd highest bench press total.

THN’s Ryan Kennedy reported: “Having played with and against men in the Kontinental League this season, it’s no surprise Orlov looked calm and collected during his fitness run – even the VO2 Max bike didn’t seem to faze him. As for adapting to North America, Orlov allegedly keeps his English remarks to one deferring word: “Agent.”

International Tournaments: Orlov had 2 goals and 2 assists and was a plus 4 at the WJC-U18s in Fargo, and was named one of the silver-medal winning Russia’s top 3 players.

ETA = 3 years

Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 4/5 Reward = 4.5/5

NHL Potential: Offensive defenseman

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 10/10 Defensive = 7.5/10

ISS: 29
CSB: 9-E
TSN: n/a
THN: 55

Video Links: n/a

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