Grading Alex Alexeyev’s 2023 season before extension

For the first time ever in Stars and Sticks offseason history we are grading a player’s performance fresh after the Washington Capitals re upped them in a contract extension. Today we’ll grade the 2022 23 season of Alex Alexeyev who was re signed to a two year, $1.65 million extension. He’ll make $775K this upcoming season and $875K the season after.

Alexeyev suited up in 32 games for the Capitals this season recording five assists. Four of Alexeyev’s five assists resulted in Caps wins. Those came at home against the Seattle Kraken, on the road at the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks and at home against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Capitals selected Alexeyev with their first round pick at 31st overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

This season he had a Corsi For percentage of 44.89 percent, a 45.72 percent Expected Goals For percentage, and a 40.37 percent High Danger Chances For percentage, via Natural Stat Trick.

Alexeyev began the season with the Hershey Bears on a long term conditioning loan as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. Now it looks like the top six defenseman for next season are taking shape.

Veterans John Carlson, Nick Jenen, and Trevor van Riemsdyk are all under contract for three more years while trade deadline addition Rasmus Sandin is signed through 2023 24. Now all that’s left is to re sign Martin Fehervary, who’s a restricted free agent still.

Alexeyev primarily played on the Caps third blue line pair alongside TvR. Alexeyev, Sandin, and possibly Fehervary could be the young faces of the Caps blue line for years to come.

Grade B+: I’d give him an NB if I could for not bad. He definitely earned the money and it won’t be an issue seeing him in a much bigger role next season where he could possibly play all 82 games if he can stay healthy.