Key Takeaways
- Alexander Alexeyev signs a one-year, $775K deal with Pittsburgh after six seasons in the Capitals' system.
- The defenseman recalls losing six teeth in a 2025 playoff game but finishing the match in overtime.
- Alexeyev reflects on lessons learned in Washington, from Ovechkin’s record goal to Carbery’s coaching style.
Alexander Alexeyev #27 of the Washington Capitals leaves the ice (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
After six seasons in the Washington Capitals system, Russian defenseman Alexander Alexeyev is joining one of the team’s biggest rivals. The 25-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. For Alexeyev, this move marks an important turning point in his career. He admits he feels a mix of excitement and nervousness - everything is new: teammates, system, coaches.
“But overall, it’s actually great - a kind of reset I really needed. I’m already eager to play hockey. They told me they’ll trust me and give me ice time. That’s awesome,” the defenseman said.
The 6-foot-4, 229-pound blueliner is signed through the 2025–26 season with an average annual value of $775,000.
Right after the deal was signed, the team’s general manager reached out, several players texted him, and the new coaching staff made contact. Among them was Todd Nelson, who previously coached Washington’s AHL affiliate in Hershey.
“I’ve crossed paths with Evgeni Malkin a couple of times in the bubble. So yes, we know each other, but we haven’t talked since my move to Pittsburgh,” Alexeyev added.
According to the player, he had multiple options for continuing his career, but Pittsburgh made the strongest impression from the start.
“I liked everything about my conversations with them. Looking at their roster, you can see there’s a real chance to play and compete for a spot,” he said.
Returning to the KHL was never under consideration. Nor was he surprised that Washington chose not to retain his rights or offer a new deal.
“I think it was heading in that direction from the start. No real shock. Early or mid-June they told me they wouldn’t extend my contract. I wasn’t surprised at all. Given how little I played, I’m actually glad it worked out this way,” the defenseman noted.
Alexeyev has played 80 career NHL games for Washington over parts of four seasons since 2021, recording one goal and seven assists for eight points. Last season, he appeared in just eight regular-season games and 10 in the playoffs.
“They Said: ‘Be Ready to Play Every Game’”
Alexeyev says there were never any hints from the team that something was wrong with his play or conditioning.
“When I signed my two-year deal, they told me: ‘Be ready to play every game. You had a good playoff, a good season - be ready to play.’ They said that to my face. I worked hard all summer, came to camp, and then they started signing other players,” he recalled.
His first NHL season wasn’t the hardest - he already knew he likely wouldn’t get regular ice time.
“I understood I probably wouldn’t play much. I’d be eased in as the seventh defenseman. I think I played 39 games. I had a strong finish to the season, and they told me: ‘Next year, be ready to play.’ Then they signed Chychrun. How do you take that? I still don’t know,” Alexeyev said.
Still, he holds no grudges toward Washington.
“It is what it is. I’m grateful to Washington and looking forward to next season in Pittsburgh,” he stressed.
“Minus Six Teeth. Three Upper Ones - Gone Completely”
Alexeyev got his playoff chance in 2025, playing 10 games in the Stanley Cup run. But he could have been sidelined right away after a nasty incident in Game 1 against Montreal.
“I was pumped, playing well, and in the third period - boom, my teeth get knocked out. No penalty, because the refs said it was ‘part of the follow-through.’ And that’s it - minus six teeth. Three uppers completely gone, roots and all. The other three lowers got chipped; one broke inside,” he said.
He finished the game and even played in overtime.
“I went to the locker room, got two or three shots, and went back out. Thankfully, we scored right away - Ovi got it. After the game, I went straight to the dentist and sat there until 3 a.m. Surgery, stitches… they even tried pulling one upper tooth out of the gum with pliers - no luck.
Later they made me two plates that clip onto the neighboring teeth. For the lowers, they just filed them and put on crowns. The plates are temporary - no point in permanent ones. If they get knocked out again, it could fracture the skull because the pins go into the jawbone. If it were up to me, I’d wear them all the time, but you’ve got to smile for the cameras. At least on the ice I can take them out.”
Ovechkin’s Record
On April 6, in New York against the Islanders, Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Alexeyev wasn’t in the lineup but was there to witness history.
To mark the milestone, the Capitals captain gave the entire team - players, coaches, and staff - personalized Hublot watches.
“They had his photo and ‘greatest goal scorer ever’ engraved. He gave them to everyone - trainers, equipment guys, everyone,” Alexeyev said.
“Carbery Just Lives Hockey”
Reflecting on his time in Washington, Alexeyev says that despite the challenges of recent seasons, he has warm memories of the organization.
“I’m grateful they gave me the chance to play my first NHL game, taught me to be a pro. I spent seven years there. I came in as a kid who didn’t care about much, and left as a grown, serious player. I’m thankful to every teammate, coach, and manager. This place will always be in my heart.”
He singled out head coach Spencer Carbery for his commitment.
“He’s just obsessed with hockey. Lives and breathes it. Hates to lose. He’ll rewatch a game ten times, study one play under a microscope. Even on the bench, he’s always on his tablet. After games, he’s already reviewing clips on the bus. By the time we’re in the locker room, he’s got ideas ready. Everything’s noted, organized. He’s 100% committed to the job.”
At the end of last season, Alexeyev was involved in an unpleasant incident. On May 17, the defenseman was arrested after allegedly taking part in a fight while under the influence. He declined to comment publicly, saying the matter was resolved and overblown in the media.
“It was an administrative case. Everything’s fine now.”
