Alexander Semin
Russian winger known as 'The Other Alex' in Washington.
Alexander Valeryevich Semin is a Russian former professional ice hockey winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and Montreal Canadiens. He was selected by the Capitals in the first round, 13th overall, at the 2002 NHL entry draft and became known as 'The Other Alex' alongside Alexander Ovechkin. Semin's NHL career was interrupted by a military duty controversy in Russia, which delayed his return to the Capitals after the 2004–05 lockout.
Quick Facts
- Played For
- Lada Togliatti / Washington Capitals / Khimik Moscow Oblast / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod / Carolina Hurricanes / Montreal Canadiens / Metallurg Magnitogorsk / HC Vityaz
- Position
- Right wing
- Shoots
- Right
- Height Ft
- 6
- Height In
- 2
- Weight Lb
- 212
- Ntl Team
- Russia
- Birth Date
- 3 March 1984
- Birth Place
- Krasnoyarsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
- Draft
- 13th overall
- Draft Year
- 2002
- Draft Team
- Washington Capitals
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Semin began his professional career in Russia's second-tier league with Traktor Chelyabinsk in 2001–02, scoring 13 goals and 8 assists. After being drafted by the Capitals, he played for Lada Togliatti of the Russian Superleague before making his NHL debut in 2003–04, recording 10 goals and 12 assists in 52 games. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Semin returned to Lada Togliatti and was suspended by the Capitals for not reporting to their AHL affiliate. A military duty controversy then prevented him from returning to the NHL in 2005–06, as Russian Armed Forces required conscripted soldiers to play only for Russian teams. The Capitals filed a complaint against Semin and his agent, and a U.S. District Court judge issued a temporary restraining order. Semin eventually played for Mytischi Khimik that season before his military obligations were fulfilled.
Reader's Guide
Semin's significance lies in his role as a high-scoring forward for the Capitals during the late 2000s and early 2010s, forming a potent offensive core with Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Bäckström. He scored his 100th career goal on his 25th birthday against the Carolina Hurricanes and later became the fifth-highest all-time goal scorer for the Capitals. His career was marked by both prolific scoring—including a career-high 79 points in 62 games—and recurring injury troubles. Semin's time with the Hurricanes began with a one-year, $7 million contract in 2012, followed by a five-year, $35 million extension, but he was waived by the team on 30 June 2015 with the intent of a buyout. His legacy includes being one of three 30-goal scorers for the Capitals in 2006–07 and contributing 14 points in 14 playoff games in 2009.
Did You Know?
- Semin scored a hat-trick in his second game back with the Capitals in 2006–07, against the Carolina Hurricanes.
- He scored his 100th career goal on his 25th birthday, 3 March 2009, against Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward.
- During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Semin played for Sokol Krasnoyarsk of the Russian second-tier league for free before signing with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL.
- Semin was the fifth-highest all-time leading goal scorer for the Washington Capitals as of 5 April 2012.
More in Carolina Hurricanes Players 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced