The Washington Capitals have re-assigned left-wing Alexander Suzdalev from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden-2), president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
Suzdalev, the Capitals’ third-round choice, 70th overall, in the 2022 NHL Draft, recorded 86 points (38g, 48a) in 66 games with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL) last season. The 6’2”, 180-pound forward led WHL rookies in goals, assists and points and ranked tied for 11th among all skaters in scoring. Suzdalev was named the WHL Rookie of the Month for the months of December and February, the only player to earn the honor twice during the 2022-23 season. Suzdalev added 10 points (7g, 3a) in seven playoff games with Regina, which ranked third on the team.
Suzdalev, 19, spent the 2021-22 season in Sweden, leading HV71’s junior team (Sweden-Jr.) in scoring with 51 points (15g, 36a) in 45 regular-season games. The Khabarovsk, Russia native, who competes with Sweden internationally, also appeared in four games with HV71’s U18 team, where he recorded eight points (3g, 5a), and skated in five games with HV71 of HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden-2). Additionally, Suzdalev won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, appearing in six games.
He certainly wasn’t getting any ice time in Hershey and for his development he had to be sent somewhere. I just wish they had kept him in North America so he can continue to develop on our smaller rinks. I was hoping they would send him to SC, that way I could get my eyes on him a few times this year when the Ray’s come into town to play the Blades. Ok, I admit it, I’m selfish. Lol
I would have preferred him to be with the Rays as well.
2nd tier Swedish league? He played in top tier with Bedard at HV71
HV71 was in the Allsvenkan (Swed-2) when he played for the men’s team. Bedard never played in the Men’s leagues, only in the junior levels. Besides the Allsvenkan is one of the best leagues in Europe
Tell that to Oskar Magnuson
There seems to be some mismanagement here.
Remember you are talking about the Caps who are penny wise but pound foolish. This is the same team that refused to buy out Mantha in June when they had the opportunity. That let a player make his own decision on playing rather than waiving him knowing that no player has ever comeback from that type of surgery.
Seems like North American ice time would be more valuable than SHL, which he’s done already, two years ago
I’m disappointed in this re-assignment although it is better than sitting in the press box in Hershey. Homesick? Family issues? Disagreements with Bears staff? I just feel that there is something more personal with all of this.