Pats Sign Washington Capitals Prospect Suzdalev

Regina, Sask. — The Regina Pats Hockey Club is proud to announce the signing of Washington Capitals prospect Alexander Suzdalev to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.

“He’s a highly skilled guy who moves around the ice pretty good,” Pats General Manager and Head Coach John Paddock said. “Any time we can improve our talent — upgrade it — it’s a real plus and that’s the case with this.”

Suzdalev, 18, was drafted by the Pats in the second round (95th overall) of the 2021 CHL Import Draft. The left-shot winger was selected 70th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Capitals, following an impressive season with HV71 (Sweden-Jr.), where he led his club in scoring with 51 points (15G-36A) in 45 games and ranked 10th in Sweden’s top junior league in points.

“It’s a really good opportunity to play in the Western Hockey League,” said Suzdalev. “It was something I couldn’t say no, as it will be great for the development of my game, playing with more mature players. When Connor Bedard played in Sweden, he played for my team (HV71 J18 & J20), so we know each other pretty well, so that’s where it all started. So when the opportunity came, I thought it was a great one.”

Born in Khabarovsk, Russia, Suzdalev moved to Sweden when he was seven years old after his father Anatoly Suzdalev had signed a bandy contract with Swedish bandy club, Vetlanda Bandyklubb. He holds dual citizenship, but has represented Sweden at the international level, winning a gold medal with Sweden at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, skating in six games.

The Capitals signed the 2004-born winger to a three-year entry level contract on July 13 after attending their summer development camp.