Left-Handed Defenseman
Red Deer Rebels (WHL)/Russian Men’s Junior National Team (U-20)
Size: 6’3 (190 cm) and 190 lbs (86 kg)
Talk about having a tremendous name. Could you imagine all the nickname possibilities in the NHL locker rooms? Alex, Alexei, Lex Luthor, Back Alex Hoo… you know what, nevermind. There might not be that many after all.
Alexeyev shows promising ability on the puck, smooth skating, and a phenomenal shot. He shields the puck well when he carries it in, but his simplistic zone entries will very likely be stopped at the NHL level. His shot is definitely his best offensive asset. He’s thrown the gloves on occasion too, but he’s not nearly as physical a player as I’d like given his frame. Still missing elite speed, but his edgework and powerful strides are magnificent. Should pass through the neutral zone more than try to skate it up.
While he lacks elite talent, he’s a solid top 6 defenseman with the potential for more. Lack of clarity in where that skill ceiling is exactly makes him hard to pin. He could definitely slip into the second round.
Likely draft position: 25-35
Best fits in the NHL: Toronto, Washington, New York Rangers, Chicago, Montreal
Player comparison(s): High end, Shea Weber or Chris Pronger, low end Alexei Marchenko, Danny DeKeyser, Matt Hunwick
The Motor City Sports 