Alex was Nashville's 1st-round pick (#15 overall) in 2004 and according to coach Barry Trotz, has a "gift to score goals and create offense." In 2007-08, he was one of Nashville's star forwards, finishing 3rd on the team in both goals (26) and points (58), spearheading an unlikely run that pushed the team into the playoffs.
His breakthrough rookie season came in 2006-07, as he established single-season franchise records for goals (18) and points (37) by a rookie. In 2005-06, Alex was named the Canadian Major Junior Hockey Player of the Year and Memorial Cup MVP as a member of the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.
Alex won a back to back Gold medals for Russia in the 2008 and 2009 IIHF World Championships, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2009 finals against Canada. He also played for Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2005 and 2006.
