Alex Limoges was one of many Calder Cup champions with the Hershey Bears to move on this summer. The 27-year-old forward signed a one-year contract with the KHL\u2019s Dinamo Minsk in late July, moving overseas for the first time in his career after two seasons with the Bears.<\/p>\n
Limoges became an unrestricted free agent this summer when his\u00a0second one-year contract with the Washington Capitals<\/a> expired on July 1. He recently explained to The Winchester Star\u2019s Robert Niedzwiecki<\/a> his thought process behind departing Hershey and opting for a deal in Russia versus another in the AHL.<\/p>\n \u201c[For 2025-26] I was also looking for a bit more opportunity,\u201d Limoges said to Niedzwiecki<\/a>. \u201cI knew [the Caps organization] had a lot of high-end prospects coming in, so I thought I would get lost in the fold there. The whole thing I\u2019ve been saying throughout this whole process is I want a chance in the NHL. I thought heading into free agency, there were going to be more options.\u201d<\/p>\n As Limoges notes, the Bears are expected to be a much younger team next season, with prospects like Andrew Cristall, Ilya Protas, Ryan Chesley, and Leon Muggli expected to compete for big roles on the club. Todd Nelson, the head coach behind the team\u2019s back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024, also moved on to an NHL job with the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer<\/a>, being replaced by Derek King.<\/p>\n King, an assistant coach with the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks for the past three seasons, is expected to come in and help develop the stockpiled youth<\/a>. To do so, the younger players will likely need more regular playing time, which could squeeze out veterans and limit the chances for a player like Limoges to shine with experienced linemates.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to go somewhere that would give me the best chance to play in North America [in 2026-27],\u201d Limoges said. \u201cThe KHL is the second-best league in the world. They play to win, and I feel it\u2019s going to make me better, playing in those meaningful games. Hopefully, I\u2019ll be playing a lot and doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n Limoges, a Winchester, Virginia native, didn\u2019t receive a recall from the Capitals during his two years in the team\u2019s organization. Instead, the Penn State alum played in 115 games for the Bears, recording 95 points (41g, 54a).<\/p>\n Thank you Limo \u2013 you’ll be a champion in Chocolatetown forever!<\/p>\n Join us in wishing Alex Limoges all the best as he continues his career in Belarus with HC Dynamo Minsk of the KHL. pic.twitter.com\/5m3lxupap8<\/a><\/p>\n