Alexeyev signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Penguins on Wednesday, according to Wes Crosby of NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev had no points, a plus-2 rating, seven shots, nine hits and 14 blocks across eight regular-season appearances with the Capitals in 2024-25. He did spend the 2024-25 campaign primarily with Washington, and his lack of appearances can mostly be attributed to how often he was a healthy scratch. Alexeyev might find himself in a similar spot with Pittsburgh by making the team but not drawing into the lineup often.

The Capitals didn't extend a qualifying offer to Alexeyev on Monday, making him an unrestricted free agent.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev appeared in just eight games for the Capitals in 2024-25 after making at least 32 appearances for the club in each of the previous two seasons. He was held without a point last year while recording 14 blocked shots and nine hits over his limited action in the NHL. He'll seek out other opportunities ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Alexeyev was arrested for public intoxication in Virginia on Saturday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to the report, Alexeyev was pepper-sprayed after police officers observed him allegedly assaulting a male individual. Alexeyev was treated for pepper-spray exposure by paramedics at the scene, and he was booked at Arlington County jail and later released. A court date has yet to be set for Alexeyev, who is a restricted free agent heading into 2025-26.

Alexeyev (teeth) is expected to be in the lineup versus the Canadiens on Wednesday in Game 2, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev suffered some dental damage in Game 1, but he's clear to play with a face shield. The 25-year-old continues to hold onto a third-pairing role since Martin Fehervary (knee) won't be available in the postseason. Alexeyev could be pressured by Dylan McIlrath for playing time later in the playoffs.

Alexeyev (upper body) is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's Game 2 against Montreal, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev lost several teeth during Monday's Game 1, but he went to the dentist afterward and will wear a full face shield Wednesday if he's available. The 25-year-old blueliner logged 14:02 of ice time Monday and recorded three blocked shots, two hits and a plus-1 rating.

Alexeyev has not played in the 16 games since he returned from his conditioning loan with AHL Hershey on March 6.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev could have had a chance to play Thursday versus the Hurricanes when left-shot defenseman Jakob Chychrun (illness) was out, but the right-handed Dylan McIlrath drew in instead. This paints a clear picture that Alexeyev is eighth on the depth chart on defense, so it would take at least two absences to the Capitals' regular blueliners to get him in the lineup. He hasn't played an NHL game since Nov. 8.

Alexeyev was recalled from his conditioning assignment with AHL Hershey on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev saw action in three minor-league games with the Bears, generating two helpers and a plus-5 rating. Even with his return to the NHL squad, minutes are going to be hard to come by for the 25-year-old blueliner barring an injury on the blue line. His last NHL appearance was Nov. 8 versus the Penguins, a game in which he logged just 12:43 of ice time.

Alexeyev was reassigned to AHL Hershey on a conditioning loan Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Alexeyev has been a healthy scratch since Nov. 8, a span of 46 games. The Capitals will likely keep him in the minors for two weeks because the Bears play six times over the next 12 days. Alexeyev is a plus-4 with 10 blocked shots and six hits over five NHL games this season.

Alexeyev was scratched for the 37th consecutive game in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Barring a number of injuries on the blue line, it doesn't look like Alexeyev will be getting into the lineup. The 25-year-old has made just five appearances this season. The Capitals may not want to lose the 2018 first-round pick on waivers, but the NHL's top team has avoided messing with a good thing on defense, leaving Alexeyev to stay with the big club with little chance to play.

Alexeyev has not suited up since Nov. 8, a span of 21 games out of the lineup.

EDGE Analysis

The Capitals went with seven defensemen in Monday's game versus the Bruins, but they lost that game 4-1. Dylan McIlrath dressed in that contest, while Alexeyev remained a healthy scratch. That gives an indication into the pecking order should injuries arise on the blue line, and it doesn't bode well for Alexeyev playing a considerable role for the rest of the campaign.