The 19-year-old is listed as 10 pounds heavier and feels more confident going into Capitals training camp.
Washington Capitals forward Alexander Suzdalev looks different going into this year's training camp. It's easy to see the difference in his game: he appears a step faster, but the biggest standout is his size.
The 6-foot-2 forward is now listed as 10 pounds heavier than he was just a season ago and now weighs in at 181. Not only does he look bigger, but he's playing bigger: he's stronger on his skates and more equipped to win puck battles and fight for position.
“It's good news for sure, putting on some extra muscle. That was my goal this summer and getting stronger and stronger every day in different parts of the body so I can play at high levels," Suzdalev said. "That’s the goal and I hope it’s going in the right direction.”
Eyeing his first pro season in North America following a stellar 86-point rookie campaign with the Regina Pats, the Russian-born Swede knew he had to put more on his frame. It's what management hoped to see from Suzdalev, too, believing it to be the last thing he needed in his development.
"He's always had the skating and the skill and the sense, but he was a little bit light, little bit thin... he's put on some good weight," assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said on Sunday.
It wasn't an overnight transformation, though, and the process involved a lot of focus on his eating habits.
"Diet's very important," Suzedalev noted. "That was a huge part. Just getting extra food in and to get those extra calories, that helped me gain weight and put on muscle."
He also turned to Pats teammate Connor Bedard, who's known for his smart eating habits — he's never had fast food, and he also added a lot to his frame while preparing to make the NHL jump.
"He's pretty healthy and good with nutrition and that stuff. It's just learning from everybody," Suzdalev said.
The 19-year-old received some additional guidance from Washington's nutritionist, and now going into camp, he feels more confident and comfortable with his frame as he moves up from juniors.
"I’m trying to improve every day, listen to the coaches, taking advice and focusing on the next step," Suzdalev said. "Just doing my best, better than last year and doing my best every day.