Suz Your Daddy! Capitals Prospect Alexander Suzdalev Records Hat Trick In First Home Game For Saskatoon Blades


Photo: Saskatoon Blades

Washington Capitals prospect Alexander Suzdalev has made an instant impact with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. Suzdalev recorded a hat trick in Saskatoon’s 7-2 win over the Vancouver Giants, along with having an assist. This was just his second game since he joining the Blades after being re-assigned from Mora IK in Hockey Allsvenskan.

Though he was originally scheduled to make his Blades debut against Regina, his equipment did not make the trip. He had an assist in his first game against the Prince Albert Raiders. Wednesday’s game marked his first home game since being re-assigned.

This season has been quite the journey for Suzdalev. There was a lot of hype around Washington’s 2022 third-round pick, as he was expected to play his first season in North America with the Hershey Bears. The 19-year-old had an outstanding season last year with Regina, ranking second on the team with 86 points (38 goals, 48 assists), trailing only Connor Bedard. He led all WHL rookies in points, goals and assists.

The Khabarovsk, Russia native spent the beginning of the season with Hershey, but because of how loaded the team was, he did not play for the first 11 games of the season. On Nov. 7, the Capitals loaned him to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan in his hometown Sweden. However, in just 13 games, he only racked up three points (one goal, two assists). On Jan. 4, the Capitals re-assigned Suzdalev to Saskatoon.

Suzdalev made it clear that he was willing to play wherever the Capitals thought it would be best for his development. Though he had his sights on playing in North America, the biggest thing he had to address over the summer was his strength. He is currently listed as 6-foot-2 and 172 pounds.

Alexander Suzdalev Has Immediate Sights Set On Making It To Next Level And Making Team Sweden’s World Juniors Roster

“A good summer of training will probably help determine where he ends up,” assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said back during Capitals Development Camp. “When we drafted him, he was slight and so the American Hockey League is a fantastic league. Big, strong adults are playing in that league.”

“We Had A Long Discussion With Washington About What Was Best For Me”; Alexander Suzdalev Reflects On Decision To Return To Sweden

While Capitals fans are itching to see one of their most coveted prospects play, the reality is that it is going to take some time. But the future is bright for the young winger.  

By Jacob Cheris

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.





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