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Penguins' Blue Line Battle: Can Alexander Alexeyev Finally Break Through?
The Penguins are hoping that new defenseman Alexander Alexeyev, who never got a real shot with the divisional foe Capitals, can turn over a new leaf in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas brought in former Capitals 1st round pick Alexander Alexeyev, signing him to a 1 year deal.
Why Kyle Dubas Targeted Size and Depth on Pittsburgh's Defense
The addition of Alexeyev was one of many Dubas made for the blue line, which also included Matt Dumba, Parker Wotherspoon, and Caleb Jones. They also said goodbye to P.O. Joseph and Matt Grzelcyk.
Per Penguins analyst Hunter Hodies of The Hockey News, Alexeyev could be an important factor for Pittsburgh this year, especially in a contract season.
He hasn't been given a lot of runway to show what he can do at the NHL level, but that could change, especially if he can beat out the competition for a full-time spot. He's also heading into a contract year and will be a restricted free agent next year, so he'll want to show out as much as he can.
Alexeyev's Opportunity: From Capitals Castoff to Penguins' X-Factor
Alexeyev, taken by the Capitals with the 31st overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, has never played more than games at the NHL level, and has spent the bulk of his time in the Capitals organization playing for the AHL's Hershey Bears.
Now with the Penguins, he'll have a chance to show Capitals management that they were wrong for not giving him more playing time. Additionally, now that he's with Washington's longtime divisional foe, he can exact some revenge on the organization by helping his new club.
At 6'4", Alexeyev is already an imposing presence and can bring some physicality to Pittsburgh's defense.
In 80 NHL games, he has 8 points (1G, 7A).
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 2 | 19 ANSWERS Penguins' Blue Line Battle: Can Alexander Alexeyev Finally Break Through? Will Alexander Alexeyev be on the Penguins' opening night roster? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 63.2 % |
| No | 7 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||