Breaking down latest Alex Alexeyev injury update

In addition to all the noise surrounding Nicklas Backstrom’s hip injury, the Washington Capitals also gave an update on prospect and Hershey Bears defenseman Alex Alexeyev. Capitals PR tweeted that Alexyev underwent a surgical Cabral repair on his left shoulder. Based on the nature of this procedure, Alexeyev is expected to miss 4-5 months.

Alexeyev played much of the season for the Bears in the AHL but did make his NHL debut for the Capitals last season. That debut came on Dec. 29 in a home win over the Nashville Predators. In 68 games with the Bears, Alexeyev recorded one goal and 18 assists for 19 points.

The earliest Alexeyev could come back to the Bears lineup is in late October shortly after the season begins. On the NHL side of things, the new season will begin on Oct. 11. Alexeyev also had an assist in three Calder Cup playoff games before the Bears bowed out to the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins.

The timing of this injury is unfortunate. Alexeyev was looking for a bigger role with the Caps with three defenseman entering the summer as unrestricted free agents. The Caps are highly unlikely to bring back Justin Schultz, who has the biggest cap hit of the trio at $4 million.

The Caps defense will look different for sure next season. Minus Shultz, they’ll probably move Trevor van Riemsdyk to the right side in Shultz’s spot. They could then sign a veteran defenseman when free agency hits or promote someone into TvR’s spot.

The options internally include Matt Irwin if they re-sign him, Bobby Nardella and Lucas Johansen who’s a restricted free agent. Another option is Dylan McIlrath.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Caps go with on their blue line as well as the Bears to see what their defense looks like. We wish Backstrom and Alexeyev speedy recoveries.