WHN’s Top Capitals Prospects: Alexander Suzdalev, Savvy Stick-Handler, Lands At No. 8

In preparation for the 2023-24 season, Washington Hockey Now staff have compiled a list of the top 10 Washington Capitals prospects. The final rankings are based on the research and discussions of WHN staff.

No. 8: Alexander Suzdalev, LW

Age: 19; Ht-Wt: 6-2, 181; Shoots: Left; Drafted: 3rd round, 2022.

Alexander Suzdalev’s first season playing in North America probably couldn’t have gone much better.

His teammate, Connor Bedard, drew most of the eyes, but Suzdalev had no problem holding his own. His 86 points — 38 goals, 48 assists — ranked second on the team behind only Bedard, who went on to be the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft.

“A lot of people thought it was because he was with Bedard, but he actually didn’t play with Bedard a lot five-on-five,” Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said at July’s Development Camp.

Suzdalev’s offensive success comes in part from his movement with the puck, where he has shown the ability to evade defenders at a high level. One of the tallest forwards with Regina last season, his size 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame also helps.

“From watching him last camp and watching him this camp,” Mahoney said, “you can see that he’s getting stronger and more confident.”

Suzdalev is one of many at arguably the Capitals’ deepest position. This season, he’s expected to battle for ice time with Ivan Miroshnichenko, the Capitals’ first-round pick in 2022, in Hershey. Andrew Cristall, who the Capitals drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft, as well as Ludwig Persson, also have a presence at left wing.

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Where Is He Playing This Year?

Suzdalev will be turning pro this season, according to the Regina Leader-Post, meaning that he’s likely to find a home with the Hershey Bears. After spending last season with the WHL’s Regina Pats, he was not listed on the team’s training camp roster this preseason.