Capitals Loan Alexeyev To Hershey For Conditioning; What’s Next?

It appears that defenseman Alex Alexeyev is taking another step forward in his recovery, as the Washington Capitals have assigned the Russian blueliner to the Hershey Bears on a long-term injury conditioning loan. The team also placed him on the long-term injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 11.

Alexeyev is still recovering after undergoing shoulder surgery in June. His timetable was 4-5 months, and he has been skating in a non-contact sweater. He took part in the Capitals training camp and was in powder blue. Alexeyev is still working his way back from the injury, though the assignment to Hershey may indicate a big step forward.

The 22-year-old was a favorite for a spot on the Washington blue line going into 2022-23 before he underwent the surgery. As he returns to Hershey, he will continue his rehabilitation and get back into the rhythm of game action.

Alexeyev requires waivers to go down to the Bears. Taking that into account, expect him to be on the Capitals roster when his loan is over. The team will then go from there with regard to where he’ll play.

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In 68 AHL games last season, Alexeyev had a goal and 18 assists, as well as 51 PIM and a +/- of plus-6. He also made his NHL debut last season. Through 138 career games in Hershey, Alexeyev has six goals and 43 assists for 49 points, along with 71 PIM and a +/- of plus-2.

Alexeyev was Washington’s first-round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft.