Washington Capitals defensive prospect Alexander Alexeyev, the 31st overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, said on Wednesday that it was “pretty awesome, exciting” to get invited to camp and added that wants to compete for a roster spot and get better.
When asked if there is a friendly rivalry with center Connor McMichael, the Capitals’ 2019 first-round pick, the 20-year-old was hesitant to go that far but admitted he likes to compete with him.
Alexeyev told the media that “it was awesome” to skate with everyone for the first time during training camp last September.
He also said that he “definitely” sees this training camp as an opportunity to grab an opening next winter with defensemen Brenden Dillon and Radko Gudas set to become unrestricted free agents and the Capitals up against the salary cap with some major contract decisions looming after this season. Alexeyev expressed that he wants to work hard, compete for a spot, and “prove I can play in the NHL.”
On fellow defensive prospect and his roommate with the AHL’s Hershey Bears, Martin Fehervary, who impressed in six regular-season games with the Capitals this year as he posted an assist in those games, Alexeyev said he hangs out with him a lot. “It’s fun,” he said, adding that the two communicate and get along well.
Alexeyev got a full sleeve tattoo three months ago that is “all about my family and where I’m from.”
The Russian prospect told the media that “it’s awesome” to be around fellow Russian and Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and be in the same organization as him.
By Harrison Brown
