Washington Capitals: Top 5 prospects to get excited for

DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Alexander Alexeyev poses for a portrait after being selected thirty-first overall by the Washington Capitals during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

#3 Alex Alexeyev

Alex Alexeyev is so excited for the season he already is showing confidence in believing he could make an NHL roster. He showed that spark at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Sunday August 25. What more could you want than a winning attitude from your 2018 first round pick?

After his WHL season was cut short from a brutal knee-on-knee hit where he landed in the boards and was carried on a stretcher, it’s good to see Alexeyev working out on the ice and gearing up for the season. He’s healthy and he’ll be ready to go whether it be in Washington or Hershey, but likely expect the latter.

VANCOUVER, BC – DECEMBER 30: Alexander Alexeyev #4 of Russia celebrates after scoring a goal against Switzerland in Group A hockey action of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship action on December, 30, 2018 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

As part of the showcase event at the Capitals practice facility in Arlington, Alexeyev posed for photos, held court with the media and took part in a prospect scrimmage finishing with two goals including the game’s first goal.

Alexeyev told the media (via J.J. Regan of NBC Sports Washington) that his knee felt, “Amazing. One-hundred percent.”

Alexeyev is hopefully to crack the NHL roster but he’ll likely begin the season in Hershey on a Bears team looking to see more from Lucas Johansen and a stacked blueline corps featuring Tyler Lewington and Connor Hobbs.