Alexander Alexeyev Off To Fast Start In Red Deer

Posted on September 23, 2018 by Harrison Brown
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After being selected by the Washington Capitals with the last pick of the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, defenseman Alexander Alexeyev had a strong rookie camp and training camp. Now the 18-year old Russian is off to a fast start in Red Deer of the WHL with two goals in two games.

Alexeyev made his Capitals’ debut in a 5-2 loss to Boston Bruins on home ice last week and was impressive, recording the primary assist on the Capitals’ opening goal of the game and set a tone with his physicality.

Both of Alexeyev’s goals with Red Deer this season came from the high slot with the first one off of a wrist shot and the second one a slap shot.

Alexeyev tallied four assists in the three prospect tournament games in Estero, Florida earlier this month but would make plays that would work in the WHL but not the NHL. Still, Alexeyev looked very good in the prospect tournament.

Unfortunately for the young Russian, he was one of the Capitals’ first roster cuts earlier this week. It was not a discredit of his play but with 18 of the 20 guys who played in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final returning, including all six defensemen, it was going to be really hard to crack the roster, especially for defensemen.

Last season, Alexeyev tallied seven goals, 37 points, and a -3 rating in 45 games with Red Deer. He also represented Russia at the World Junior Championships last December but was held off of the scoresheet in three games played.

The scouting report on him entering the draft was that he was a very good top-four, two-way defenseman but does not raise his game enough when he needs to. Scouts were projecting him to be two years away from cracking the NHL lineup.

If he continues to have a solid season, he could make the lineup even sooner. The Capitals’ only defenseman up for unrestricted free agency next summer is Brooks Orpik but other defensive prospects such as Connor Hobbs and Lucas Johansen have a step up on Alexeyev and are both in Hershey of the AHL.

Alexeyev might have tough competition as other prospects are ahead of him in line for an NHL job but he is certainly off to a great start and we could see him in a Capitals’ uniform sooner rather than later if he continues to play the way he is right now.

By Harrison Brown

About Harrison Brown

Harrison is a diehard Caps fan and a hockey fanatic with a passion for sports writing. He attended his first game at age 8 and has been a season ticket holder since the 2010-2011 season. His fondest Caps memory was watching the Capitals hoist the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, photography, and hanging out with his two dogs. Follow Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonB927077
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5 Responses to Alexander Alexeyev Off To Fast Start In Red Deer

  1. Jon Sorensen says:
    September 23, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    Good piece, Harrison. Alexeyev is an eye-opener. He’s impressed from day one (development camp, prospect tournament, training camp and preseason). All at the ripe old age of 18.

    Reply

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