Daniil Orlov isn't the best defense prospect within the New Jersey Devils system. In fact, he likely isn't even their second-best Russian defense prospect; his ceiling is far lower than that of Anton Silaev and likely lower than 2026 second-rounder Nikita Shcherbakov, too. It's more than reasonable to put Seamus Casey, who unfortunately finds himself on injured reserve again, ahead of Orlov as well.
That said, Orlov is handily the most NHL-ready of the group, and his start to the 2026-27 season has solidified that. Through nine games, the 22-year-old has six points -- one goal and five assists. Among blueliners, that total ranks 14th-best in the league.
It's not the offense that has Orlov's projectability so high, though, rather the rest of his game. As is true for so many of the Devils' top defense prospects, skating is the name of the game for the 2022 fourth-round pick. He is extremely smooth, with an above-average top speed, great acceleration, and, more importantly in today's game, superb four-way mobility. The way he can pivot and change directions without losing momentum is incredible, and he uses it on both sides of the ice.
From his own end, Orlov uses that smooth skating ability to be confident in his retrievals and skate the puck out of danger himself before executing a breakout pass. Because he is so much better at skating than the average KHLer, he finds himself exiting the defensive zone (and entering the offensive zone) on his own two skates.
Daniil Orlov is ready to make an impact
Orlov's mobility is particularly useful defensively, where he is a complete sponge in the neutral zone. Suffocating oncoming rush attackers is commonplace for him, as they're unable to find room around him regardless of whatever direction they choose to go. There's no outmaneuvering Orlov when he is facing the play, and that makes him one of the best defenders outside of the NHL. This holds especially true when factoring in the speed of the NHL -- without ample mobility and speed, keeping up defensively in the big leagues is nearly impossible.
Orlov's production in the KHL is extremely encouraging -- he clearly has puck-moving chops and the confidence to pinch and join the rush aggressively enough to make plays. It's the defensive side of the game, though, where he really shines. Because of that rare ability to neutralize the opposition in transition, he's better equipped for NHL play than every defense prospect in the Devils' system.
In fact, he's possibly better equipped for NHL play than any prospect league-wide -- realistically, he could jump into a #4 role comfortably as soon as he is willing.
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