Alexander Alexeyev, a 27‑year‑old defenseman, is poised to leave the NHL for the Kontinental Hockey League after agreeing to a two‑year contract with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL. The move comes at the conclusion of the 2025‑26 season, during which he completed his second year with the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins organization.
NHL résumé
Alexeyev’s North American career began when the Washington Capitals selected him with the 31st overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He went on to appear in 80 NHL games for the Capitals, establishing himself as a reliable blueliner with a defensive mindset.
A season in the AHL
During the 2025‑26 campaign he spent the majority of the year with the AHL’s Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins, logging three goals and 12 points across 38 regular‑season games. His performance earned him a professional tryout with the parent club before he re‑signed as a free agent in July.
In the postseason, Alexeyev contributed a goal and five points in ten Calder Cup Playoff appearances, helping the affiliate advance deep into the tournament. The showing underscored his ability to elevate his game when the stakes are highest.
Looking ahead
The pending contract with Salavat marks a strategic shift for the Russian club, which is seeking experienced NHL talent to bolster its defensive core. For Alexeyev, the move offers a fresh competitive environment and the chance to showcase his skills on a larger European stage.
Penguins management expressed appreciation for Alexeyev’s contributions, noting his professionalism and adaptability throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh and Wilkes‑Barre. The organization will monitor his transition to the KHL as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.