Alex Alexeyev’s first venture outside of the Washington Capitals organization isn’t going as he likely planned.
The 25-year-old defenseman was placed on NHL waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday after failing to make the rebuilding squad’s team out of camp. Alexeyev signed a one-year deal with the Penguins in July after the Capitals declined to extend him a qualifying offer.
Per the Penguins, Alexeyev was one of 10 cuts on Saturday, which saw four players assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, five placed on waivers, and another released from their PTO. Alexeyev will be sent to the AHL and the Baby Penguins if he clears.
After the cuts, Pittsburgh is still carrying eight defenders, including Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Matt Dumba, Connor Clifton, Parker Wotherspoon, Caleb Jones, Ryan Shea, and Harrison Brunicke. Wotherspoon, Jones, and Shea are all left-handed, like Alexeyev, and were likely chosen over him for roster spots.
Alexeyev, a Capitals’ first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, spent six seasons in the team’s organization, recording eight points (1g, 7a) in 80 games over parts of four NHL seasons. He spent the entire 2024-25 campaign with the Capitals — outside of a short conditioning stint with the Hershey Bears in March — suiting up in just eight games during the regular season.
The Russian defender became an every-night starter in the playoffs when Martin Fehervary was lost to a torn meniscus, playing in all 10 of the Capitals’ postseason games. Alexeyev received only 10:25 average ice time in the playoffs and posted just six shots on goal.
Shortly after the Capitals were eliminated, Alexeyev was arrested for public intoxication after a physical altercation in Arlington, Virginia (he was ultimately issued a $91 fine by the court). The Capitals then paved the way for Alexeyev to move on in late June.
“He’s a young guy that didn’t get to play a bunch of games this year,” Capitals GM Chris Patrick said. “I think it’s important for him to get an opportunity at the NHL level, if that’s with us or if that’s with somebody else,” he said. “So we’re going to be as helpful as we can to him to get him the best opportunity to play in the NHL next year.”
Alexeyev appeared to appreciate the gesture, telling RG in August that he was optimistic about the change of scenery.
“I liked everything about my conversations with [Pittsburgh],” Alexeyev said. “Looking at their roster, you can see there’s a real chance to play and compete for a spot.
“Overall, it’s actually great — a kind of reset I really needed.”
