The Capitals assigned Alexander Suzdalev from the Hershey Bears to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden-2).

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals made a big decision with one of their prospects on Tuesday, reassigning Alexander Suzdalev from the Hershey Bears to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden-2).

The plan had been for Suzdalev, who stunned last season as one of the WHL's top rookies while playing with the Regina Pats, to make the pro jump in North America with the Hershey Bears while continuing his road to the Capitals.

However, it hasn't gone according to plan this season. Here's why.

Hershey, which is coming off of its 12th Calder Cup title, is absolutely stacked on the forward lines. Not only are regulars like Mike Vecchione, Joe Snively Michael Sgarbossa leading the charge on the top line, but a number of other top Capitals prospects, including Joe Snively, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Pierrick Dube, Hendrix Lapierre and more, are taking up those spots and batting for time.

With so much depth up front, it's been impossible for Suzdalev to get into game action. He's not the only prospect who's struggled here, either; Ryan Hofer and Bogdan Trineyev are also competing for permanent spots in the lineup.

That said, it's better for Suzdalev to be getting playing time rather than practicing in North America and watching games as a healthy scratch, hence his re-assgnment.

But why Europe?

Well, Suzdalev is beyond junior hockey. He showed that after putting up 86 points in 66 games last season. So, it'll benefit him more to play among pros in the second-highest league in Sweden. He'll also have more time and space to work with in Europe, which should boost his confidence going forward.