Capitals take Alexander Alexeyev 31st overall

The Washington Capitals selected defenseman Alexander Alexeyev with the 31st overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

Alexander Alexeyev

Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 200 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Red Deer (WHL)
Nationality: Russian

(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)

A steady defender who can play both ends of the ice, Alexeyev already possesses NHL-ready size but needs to continue to grow his offensive game. The good news is few junior programs develop more top-level blue-liners than his Rebels, whose recent graduates count Matt Dumba, Haydn Fleury, and Alex Petrovic.

With Red Deer this season, Alexeyev led all rearguards with seven goals and 30 assists despite a leave of absence that shortened his season to just 45 games. He then battled a finger injury through the playoffs but still managed to produce five points in three appearances.

Alexeyev has also been a frequent participant internationally, with his most recent invite coming as part of the Russian squad at the 2018 World Juniors. While he was held pointless in three games, expect Alexeyev to build on that when he has a bigger role at next year's junior tournament.

"Big, powerful left-shot defender creates serious power in his stride and makes pro-level passes. Suffered a nasty knee injury late last season but looks fully healed this year," Cam Robinson of DobberProspects.com said.