early in the 2003–04 season, alexeev suffered a major shoulder injury which caused him to miss the rest of the season as the lightning went on to claim their first stanley cup. alexeev played a season in russia before in the 2006–07 season, he returned to nhl and was a regular in the lightning lineup. however, after 63 games, he was traded to the chicago blackhawks at the trade deadline. the blackhawks chose not to offer alexeev a contract in 2007, making him a free agent.