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Newly-Signed Penguins Defenseman Calls Out His Last Team
Alex Alexeyev was picked up by the Penguins this off-season, and in his latest comments, he's called out his former team the Washington Capitals.
The Washington Capitals had a great campaign in 2024/25, as the team won the President's Trophy all while superstar captain Alex Ovechkin went on to become the NHL's all-time highest goal scorer by surpassing Wayne Gretzky.
However, they would fall in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, ending what was ultimately a great season, with the off-season not exactly seeing them improve thus far.
Washington Capitals lose Alex Alexeyev to the Penguins
One intriguing piece that this team lost was defenseman Alex Alexeyev, who joined the division rival Pittsburgh Penguins after the 25-year old former first-round pick spent his entire career with the Capitals.
His departure hasn't exactly gone down well either, as he has now given a scathing review of his former team, calling them out for not giving him the opportunity he believes that he deserved.
Alexeyev calls out the Capitals for not giving him a bigger role
In a recent interview, Alexeyev called out the Capitals for not giving him a chance, and after conversations with the Penguins, he's clearly eager to fight for a roster spot this season.
"I liked everything about my conversations with Pittsburgh. Looking at their roster, you can see there's a real chance to play and compete for a spot.
Given how little I played, I'm actually glad it worked out this way.»
Given how little I played, I'm actually glad it worked out this way.»
However, Alexeyev did have some nice things to say about the Capitals and his time with the team later in the interview, looking back on his overall time in Washington with fondness.
"I'm grateful they gave me the chance to play my first NHL game, taught me to be a pro. I spent seven years there. I came in as a kid who didn't care about much, and left as a grown, serious player. I'm thankful to every teammate, coach, and manager. This place will always be in my heart."
Ultimately, Alexeyev will get every chance to compete for a roster spot in Pittsburgh, and with his former team being a division rival, things could get very spicy when these two teams matchup this season.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 11 | 39 ANSWERS Newly-Signed Penguins Defenseman Calls Out His Last Team Will Alex Alexeyev get a chance with the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 79.5 % |
| No | 8 | 20.5 % |
| List of polls | ||