The Swede is coming off a standout rookie year in the WHL.
ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals will see propsect Alexander Suzdalev get a taste of pro hockey, as he's been re-assigned from the WHL's Regina Pats to the AHL's Hershey Bears ahead of the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Suzdalev had a breakout season while playing his first year in North America, recording 38 goals and 48 assists in 66 games with the Pats. He also got time playing with Connor Bedard and led all WHL rookies in goals, assists and points. League-wide, he was the 11th-highest scorer.
The Swedish winger was taken 70th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. Washington had acquired that 70th overall pick, along with the 37th overall selection (Ryan Chesley) in the trade that sent Vitek Vanecek to the New Jersey Devils.
Getting Suzdalev some experience and ice time at the AHL level will be huge for his development, as he's shown a lot of promise and continues to improve his skill-set while making a statement as one of Washington's strongest selections.
In addition to Suzdalev, Washington is also seeing another up-and-coming prospect get a chance to show what he can do in the pros, as Bogdan Trineyev was sent to the Bears on March 18.
In addition to Suzdalev, the Capitals also loaned Aliaksei Protas, Joe Snively and Beck Malenstyn back to Hershey after having them on board as emergency call-ups for the final games of the 2022-23 campaign.
The AHL regular season ends on April 16. Hershey currently sits first in the Atlantic Division and has benefitted from an impressive amount of depth thanks to top prospects like Connor McMichael, Joe Snively and Hendrix Lapierre, as well as rookie Ethen Frank and the likes of Mike Vecchione and others.