Prospect Profile: Alexander Alexeyev
Alex Alexeyev was drafted 31st overall as the Caps’ first round pick in the 2018 NHL draft. He signed an entry-level contract with the Capitals in September, and his professional career started when he made his debut for the Hershey Bears on October 5th against the Penguins. After playing with a few Russian teams, he found his way into North American hockey. He played with the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the past three seasons; he contributed to the offense with a total of 21 goals and 80 assists in 101 games, and had a significant impact on defense. However, he was not as successful with his health, and this unfortunate problem followed him to the Caps training camp.
Last season, Alexeyev sustained a knee to knee collision, therefore he was stretchered off the ice and sent to the hospital, which ended a flourishing season. This problematic injury ruled him out for the final 19 games of his junior career. He impressed plenty of the coaches, staff, and fans during the Caps development camp and throughout the rookie tournament. However, he experienced a dangerous hit to the head during the prospect’s showcase in Nashville. Despite this, he recovered throughout the entirety of the training camp and had a momentous first game and start of the season with the Bears.
Alexeyev’s first time on the ice in Hershey was a memorable one. The Bears opened their regular season against one of their rivals, and it took Alexeyev only 62 seconds to tally their first goal of the season. Garrett Pilon set up Alexeyev with the cross-ice pass, which led to a strong wrist shot and his first professional goal. His second professional point was recorded in a rematch with the Penguins on October 13th, as he assisted Mike Sgarbossa with the Bear’s fourth goal of the game. From a defensive standpoint, he has been playing solidly. He had one mistake with an incorrect position against the Bruins, which led to their 2-1 overtime victory over the Bears on October 5th. Other than that, he has been protecting the front of the net and positioning himself in an effective manner. His +/- is currently -1 with zero penalty minutes. Alexeyev has been showing positive signs and an abundance of skill for the Bears with four games into the season; he takes intelligent shots and makes sharp passes along with gaining control and being aggressive on defense.
Alexeyev is an important facet in the future of the Caps’ defense. With Brooks Orpik’s retirement and the Matt Niskanen trade, the Caps lost two major pieces to their blue line. The Caps are also missing Michal Kempny with an injury, therefore leaving a few spots open for some prospects. Alexeyev had a potential chance on making the opening night roster, but it seems that his injuries set him back. Regardless, it is more beneficial that Alexeyev is working with the Bears since he will further development time, therefore providing more to the Caps’ future.
Martin Fehervary, who is another significant prospect for the Caps’ defense, made the opening night Caps’ roster, but was sent to the Bears after playing three games in the NHL. In addition, Tyler Lewington and Jonas Siegenthaler, who played in previous seasons with the Bears, are currently on the Caps roster. The Caps patched up their defensive predicament for short term purposes, but the future defense is developing right now in Hershey.
